A GREENOCK man has been jailed for more than two years after brandishing a knife at a shopkeeper and robbing him of cash at a convenience store.

Joseph Boyle, 41, admitted entering Sana’s Convenience Store on Lynedoch Street on February 4 last year with his face covered.

He presented a knife at staff before demanding money and cigarettes, and then made off with a quantity of cash.

Boyle pleaded guilty to the offence at Greenock Sheriff Court last month and was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing this week.

Defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher acknowledged that the incident would have been ‘terrifying’ for the shopkeeper, highlighting the ‘essential’ service such workers provide.

(Image: Google Street View) The court heard that, prior to the incident, Boyle had suffered ‘life changing’ injuries in a car accident which caused him to develop a ‘significant’ drug problem.

Mr Gallagher added: “It had a severe grip on him. This act was a desperate act on his part to try to obtain funds.

“Thankfully it did not go beyond the presentation of the knife.

“I say that not losing sight of it being a terrifying incident for the shopkeeper, who would not have known what his intentions were beyond that.

“Mr Boyle accepts full responsibility for his actions.

“Quite rightly, he expresses full remorse and shame for the level that he had reached.”

In addition to the assault and robbery charge, Boyle also pleaded guilty to being in possession of a knife on Cathcart Street on March 23 last year.

Greenock Sheriff CourtBoyle pleaded guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court (Image: Google Street View) Mr Gallagher told the court that Boyle is now living a ‘very stable’ lifestyle and that he has a ‘good support network’.

Sheriff James Varney, who viewed CCTV footage of the incident after Boyle’s plea, noted that the victim was trapped behind a counter throughout the ordeal.

He said: “I cannot imagine the fear that he would have felt in those circumstances.

“He was absolutely closed in with no means of escape.

“I accept the various personal issues. But these are offences that the court cannot and will not condone.

“I recognise that the social work report indicates alternatives to custody, but I do not consider it is appropriate to mark the severity in this way.

“I am satisfied that a custodial sentence is the only way.”

Boyle, of Hillend Place, was jailed for a total of 26 months.