Man cut shop CCTV wires during 'terrifying' robbery bid

A man who tried to rob a shop in an Aberdeenshire town at knifepoint has been jailed for two years.

Jamie Dingwall, 34, admitted assault and attempted robbery after the incident at Oasis Vape in Banff in July.

Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard he was armed with what was described as a large knife and cut CCTV wires when he entered the shop.

Sheriff Lesley Johnston told Dingwall it must have been a "terrifying" incident for the victim behind the counter.

Fiscal depute Brian Young told the court a man was in the Strait Path shop alone and saw Dingwall enter with a large silver knife.

He cut CCTV wires at the entrance then pointed the knife at the victim and started shouting.

The court heard the man felt "instant fear" at the aggressive approach and backed away.

The serial criminal becoming irate before he left and the victim raised the alarm.

Dingwall admitted a charge of assault, presenting a knife, making threats of violence, and the attempted robbery of cigarettes and money.

Defence solicitor Leonard Burkinshaw said his client had an "unenviable" record of previous convictions and accepted the court only had one option.

He said drugs had become a coping mechanism for the former welder, and he had taken a "heap of tablets" before the robbery bid, which he could not remember.

Burkinshaw said Dingwall accepted his behaviour had been "totally unacceptable" and could only apologise.

Sheriff Johnston said it must have been an "absolutely terrifying incident" for the victim and she was sure it would have caused "considerable psychological harm".

She said Dingwall had related previous convictions and jailed him for two years.