VIDEO: Robber jailed after '˜terrifying' break-in at Wellingborough fish and chip shop

Ashley Berry, aged 24, punched the owner of Olympic Fish Bar in Olympic Way and threatened to stab him after he jumped over the counter and demanded money from the till.

Northampton Crown Court heard Ray Critchlow fought off Berry and another robber after he ran out of the kitchen with a curry paddle.

The court heard Mr Critchlow heard his wife screaming after two men, wearing hoods and scarves over their faces, came into the shop as they were cleaning up for the night.

After being confronted by Mr Critchlow, Berry, who was wearing a sock on his hand, punched him in the face.

Mr Critchlow managed to loosen Berry’s face covering and recognised him as a regular customer. However, Berry then threatened to ‘stick him with a knife’.

Berry and his accomplice escaped with just a bag of 50p coins, totalling £29.50.

The court heard Berry was arrested after his DNA was matched to a sock found at the scene.

He initially denied carrying out the robbery but pleaded guilty shortly after a trial was due to begin last month.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Critchlow said the robbery has had a “profound effect” on the couple, who both no longer feel safe running their business.

James McLernon, mitigating, said Berry was a recovering heroin addict who had made “remarkable progress” in the past two years.

Mr McLernon said Berry’s offending had been linked to his heroin addiction but he was no working hard to become clean of drugs.

His Honour Judge Timothy Smith said the robbery was a “terrifying incident” that has had a significant impact on Mr Critchlow and his wife.

Berry, of Toms Close, Collingtree, Northampton, was sentenced to two years in jail. He is likely to serve half his sentence in jail before being released on licence.