Neil Turley, 29, entered the Lucky Boat takeaway in Wellfield Road, Preston, late at night, banged a spanner on the counter and demanded money from the frightened owner's wife.

The dad-of-two left empty-handed after the assistant alerted her husband, who was working in the kitchen and called the police.

Turley was later arrested in a car nearby and police found a lock-knife in his pocket.

Preston Crown Court heard the incident had happened the day after Turley had visited a petrol station in Ribbleton and put fuel in his car then told staff he had no money to pay.

Kitted out in his security guard stab vest and radio, he told them he was a police officer and gave a false surname.

The court heard that Turley, who has no previous convictions, carried out the offences in June last year after taking a large quantity of valium tablets.

Prosecuting, Andrew Brown said: "When the defendant came into the chip shop, carrying a spanner, he shouted loudly and aggressively, 'Come on, come on, give me money.'

"The woman was very frightened and feared harm.

"The defendant kept tapping on the counter and chip frier with such force as to cause dents in the frier."

Turley, of Abbey Street, Preston, admitted attempted robbery, possessing a knife and fraud. He had apologised for his crimes at a previous court appearance.

Adrian Williams, defending, said Turley had abused alcohol and drugs following the collapse of a long-term relationship and the loss of his job and home.

Mr Williams said: "Mr Turley is ashamed, embarrassed and remorseful for his actions.

"It appears to have been as a result of the total collapse of his life.
"On the night in question, he consumed up to 40 valium tablets, or what he believed to be valium tablets.

"They had a dramatic effect on him which lead to a total loss of control of his thought-processes."

Mr Williams added Turley had acted on "the spur of the moment" and had not brandished the knife at anyone.

Jailing Turley, judge Stuart Baker told him: "Offences of this type are regarded as serious.

"They cause a lot of fear and distress among people trying to run an honest business and provide a service late at night.

"It must have been a very frightening incident for the woman and her husband."

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