Homeless man tried to rob Tesco a week before christmas as behind bars was "better than the alternative"
A homeless man tried to rob a Tesco Express a week before Christmas because being being bars was "better than the alternative".
Michael McCann walked into the shop on the Quayside in Newcastle on December 19, with his hands in his pockets, announced "this is an armed robbery" and claimed he had a gun.
Newcastle Crown Court heard he repeatedly asked for cash from the till but brave staff "called his bluff" and locked him inside the shop until police arrived.
McCann, 41, of no fixed address, admitted attempted robbery and has now been jailed for 18 months.
Robin Turton defending, said: "Warmth and three meals a day sounded better than the alternative."
Judge Tim Gittins told McCann: "You threatened that you had a gun and indeed repeated that threat and said you would shoot people.
"Fortunately brave staff saw through that rouse and called your bluff."
Judge Gittins said McCann waited "peacefully" for the police once the shop doors were locked.
The judge said McCann feels he has been "let down by the system" and told him it takes "guts and effort" to turn life around.
But Judge Gittins added: "In seeking shelter, which I accept is the main reason you engaged in this offending, you have involved wholly innocent people being caused anxiety and distress."