AN ARMED robber who terrified a 65-year-old Post Office worker during an early morning raid has been jailed for seven years.

Jay Strickland, 24, burst into the branch in Cwmbran’s Maendy Square armed with a knife, prosecutor Jeffrey Jones told Newport Crown Court.

He said: “The defendant was wearing a mask and had a knife in his hand.

“The victim was screaming and he told her, ‘Get the f****** money from the till and put it in the bag.

“The knife in his hand was six to seven inches long.

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“She had the composure to press the alarm as she was picking up money which had fallen on the floor.”

South Wales Argus:

The Post Office at Cwmbran’s Maendy Square

Strickland fled from the scene with around £300 cash and was seen by witnesses to run into a nearby block of flats.

Armed police were called and the defendant arrested shortly after.

Strickland, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the robbery which took place at around 6.50am on Monday, September 13.

He also admitted possession of a bladed article.

Mr Jones said the victim knew the defendant who had been a customer at the Post Office.

He told how she had worked there for 23 years and once gave Strickland a free packet of Rizla rolling papers because she “felt sorry for him”.

The defendant had 21 previous convictions for 41 offences, including burglary, harassment and assaulting an emergency worker.

Richard Ace, representing Strickland, said: “He is truly sorry.

“He was desperate for drugs and was hanging around with the wrong kind of people.”

Judge Jeremy Jenkins told the defendant: “You burst into the Post Office at around 6.50am brandishing a knife.

“Your victim, who was alone, was absolutely terrified.”

He said Strickland posed a high risk of reoffending and jailed him for seven years.

The defendant will serve two-thirds of a four-year prison term before he is eligible for parole.

He will then be subject to an extended three-year licence period following his release from custody.

Outside the court, Gwent Police Detective Constable Richard Morgan said: "This was a frightening incident for the cashier present which could have resulted in far more serious consequences.

"Thankfully no injuries were sustained and the defendant was soon identified, arrested and charged.

"I welcome the sentence given today and I hope it demonstrates to others how robustly the police and justice system will deal with such acts."