A Forfar knifepoint robber has been warned to expect a significant jail term after admitting a masked raid on a town centre newsagent.
Kenneth Campbell poked the shop owner with a large knife and struggled with him in the Castle Street premises before casually strolling empty-handed from the bungled tea-time attempt to get the takings in February.
But 45-year-old Campbell was immediately recognised by a passer-by and captured within less than an hour as police swarmed to the scene of the Saturday incident.
In court on Wednesday, Campbell apologised publicly to his victim for the crime, and his lawyer said the offence was “totally out of character” for an accused who has no convictions for violence or dishonesty on his record.
Appearing on indictment before Sheriff Pino Di Emidio, Campbell, of Green Street admitted the February 21 offence at Ali’s Newsagent in Castle Street, just a short distance from his home.
Depute fiscal Joanne Smith said shop owner Asif Yaqoob was kneeling down bundling newspapers at around 5.15pm when Campbell, wearing a balaclava and hooded top, entered the shop, stood over him and then presented a large knife at him.
The accused told his victim: “Give me money, open the till, give me money”, before pressing the knife to the 34-year-old’s stomach.
The complainer told Campbell the shop money had been taken away and the fiscal said a struggle ensued, in which the brave victim was able to get the knife off the accused and throw it away.
“The accused told the complainer: “I’m not going to hurt you, I just want money”,” added the fiscal.
The victim then managed to pull up Campbell’s balaclava and as he did that the accused punched him in the face.
“The accused then casually walked out of the shop having pulled his balaclava back down over his face,” added Ms Smith.
A witness followed Campbell and saw him throw the balaclava and hooded top in a nearby bin, immediately recognising him from the local area.
Police swooped on Campbell’s home and although he initially denied the offence he then asked to see his solicitor when confronted with the information about the discarded items.
Defence solicitor Nick Markowski said: “Mr Campbell is realistic regarding the outcome of this case.
“This truly was out of character for him and he has asked me to apologise publicly to the complainer.”
Deferring sentence until October 22, Sheriff Di Emidio said: “It is very much the case that what is at the forefront of the court’s mind is a substantial period of custody.”