A CONTRITE armed robber has admitted, "I deserve everything that is given to me" after being jailed for four years for raiding a shop.

As Philip Avery, of no fixed abode, begins a stretch behind bars, police hope the case acts as a reminder to criminals that anyone who flouts the law will face severe consequences.

The 32-year-old burst into the Best One Shop in Harraton, Washington, on the evening of July 17 armed with a knife.

Avery, wearing a red hooded jacket in a bid to hide his face, leaned over the counter and pointed the knife at a member of staff while demanding money. But he fled the scene left empty-handed as those living upstairs heard the commotion and came down to confront him.

Since his imprisonment, after pleading guilty to attempted robbery and possessing a knife in public, Avery has written to his victim apologising for his actions which he claim are “out of character” and accepted his jail-term was deserved.

“I am really sorry for what I did,” Avery wrote. “This is really out of character and I have never stolen in my life – I hope I have not caused you stress or alarm.

“I will take my punishment as I deserve everything that is given to me, but please believe me when I say that is not what I stand for.

“I hope you are OK and one day can forgive me for what I did. You are a good person and I am sorry.”

After being alerted to the attempted robbery shortly after 6.45pm on July 17, officers attended a nearby address and saw a man matching the robber's description standing outside a communal door.

Avery was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, but in police interview, he denied his involvement in the incident and denied it was him on the footage.

But Avery, of no fixed abode, later pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possessing a knife in a public place. He was subsequently jailed for four years by a judge at Newcastle Crown Court.

Detective Constable Dave King, of Northumbria Police’s Southern CID, said: “Avery recognises that his actions that night were totally unacceptable and he now faces a significant time behind bars.

“This was a frightening ordeal for the employee who was threatened with a knife. I am pleased that this sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the long-lasting effect it can have on victims.

“There can be no excuse for this type of behaviour, and as a Force, we are committed to ensuring violent offenders are taken off the streets and are brought to justice.

“I hope this case reassures our communities that we will continue to pursue perpetrators and do everything in our power to bring criminals before the courts.”