Knifeman who threatened teenage shop staff jailed

A 48-year-old knifeman who threatened to slit the throats of two teenage workers at a Devon bakery shop leaving them "utterly terrified" has been jailed.

Anthony Moss walked behind the counter at the Crusty Loaf store, Torquay, in August and demanded the takings from the 17-year-old girl and 19-year-old woman.

Moss, of Newton Abbot, took £360, ordered the youngsters to stand against a wall and threatened to slit their throats if they called police. He admitted robbery and having a bladed article and was jailed for five years and three months.

Exeter Crown Court heard the workers were left "utterly terrified but dealt with the experience with admirable composure", said prosecutor Tom Bradnock.

Felicity Payne, defending, accepted it was a "traumatic and terrifying experience for both of them".

Moss ran off but was arrested the next day after police recognised him from CCTV footage, the court heard.

Judge Anna Richardson said Moss was a dangerous offender who posed a significant risk of serious harm to the public.

She said the young workers "wisely gave you the money" but were terrified at the time and both were receiving counselling.

Moss, of Lemon Road, had committed 129 previous offences, the court heard.

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