A MAN threatened staff with a screwdriver during an attempted robbery at a convenience store in Christchurch.

Benjamin Kenneth Fooks entered the Londis store in Stour Road and approached two female members of staff at the counter.

Fooks made threats before pulling a long screwdriver out of his pocket and repeatedly stabbing the shop counter with it.

He then began stabbing and dragging the screwdriver down a chewing gum stand in front of the counter, causing damage.

One of the staff members chased the defendant out of the shop with a bottle before locking the door.

The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, September 11, 2022, was investigated by police.

Forensic analysis of the scene obtained a DNA match for Fooks from the chewing gum stand.

He was arrested on Friday, October 14, 2022.

Fooks, 35 and of Christchurch, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, April 19, after admitting offences of attempted robbery and criminal damage.

He was jailed for 20 months.

Detective Constable Mohi Uddin, of BCP CID, said: “Fortunately nobody was hurt during this attempted robbery, but both victims experience long-lasting anxiety and understandable trauma.

“Police handled these incidents extremely seriously from the beginning and I would like to thank the victims for the extraordinary bravery they displayed.”