A KNIFEMAN struck at two shops within minutes in a desperate search for money - but left empty-handed each time.

And hapless Norman Fowler was caught when he returned to the scene of one of his crimes two hours later, and asked a worker: "Hiya love, are you alright?"

Fowler had ditched his carving knife and balaclava and changed his clothes before his second visit to The Village Store in Norton, near Stockton.

But the shop assistant recognised him immediately, called the police and he was detained nearby.

Fowler was jailed for four years and four months after he admitted two charges of attempted robbery, two of having a bladed article, and possessing Class A drugs – ecstasy, found on him when he was arrested.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 32-year-old had been out of trouble for eight years, and found love and work, but slipped back into drug use after bereavements "which affected him greatly", and needed money for his habit.

His lawyer Jeff Taylor said Fowler's partner was standing by him, and was moving to West Yorkshire so when he is released he will be away from "pro-criminal influences" in the North-East.

Mr Taylor said: "He hopes in the future to get back to employment and continue with the lifestyle he had been leading."

Fowler, of Centenary Crescent, Norton, was told by Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, that the people who run small shops provide a vital service for communities, and need to be protected.

The judge said: "I have read a moving letter from your partner about how you have tried to settle down and how the two demons of drugs and drink finally got hold of you.

"The fact you had been taking crack cocaine at the time of these offences is an aggravating feature, but I take into account that period between 2010 and 2018 when you did not commit and further offences."