A WOULD-be robber who armed himself with a large kitchen knife before raiding a Southbourne store has been jailed after a brave passer-by tackled him to the ground.

Paul Swales, of Bridge Road, Stockton-on-Tees, brandished the knife at staff working at Carbery Food and Wine store in Carbery Row on Christmas Eve.

The 29-year-old burst into the shop at 10.15pm that day, demanding money from a member of staff.

He also threatened a customer who was in the store at the time.

However, the shopkeeper threw shopping baskets at the defendant, causing him to drop the knife.

At this point, a man who was passing saw the incident unfolding and rushed into the shop, where he tackled Swales to the ground.

The owner of the shop had managed to call for help using the store alarm.

Officers attended and Swales was arrested.

Swales appeared before a judge at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, February 5, where he was sentenced to four years behind bars.

He admitted the attempted robbery of Salman Bektas, common assault, assaulting a police constable at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and carrying a bladed article in a public place at the same court on Monday, January 4.

Detective Constable Will Burnett, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victim and the customer who was inside the store.

“I would like to praise the brave passing member of the public who came to their aid and detained Swales until police officers arrived.

“I hope the sentence handed out today yet again reiterates that we will not tolerate these crimes and sends a very strong warning to anyone else involved in such criminal activity.”