A 16 year-old youth who attempted to rob a Waterside shop at knifepoint wearing a gas mask said he chose the shop because it was a ‘soft touch’.
The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Derry Magistrates Court on Friday charged with attempted robbery and possession of a weapon in a public place, namely a knife.
The attempted took place on Thursday.
The court heard that just before 2pm, the youth contacted police and told them he had attempted to rob the Day Today store at Sevenoaks armed with a knife and wearing a gas mask.
He said that his intention was to steal money as he had lost money in town earlier that day. He pointed out to police the blade he used, which was almost 8inches long, and the gas mask used for concealing his identity.
Staff at the Day Today store confirmed that the youth had come into the shop wearing the gas mask and brandishing a knife. An investigating police officer said that although the youth was only 16 years-old, he ‘acted in a very confident and aggressive manner’ towards a ‘lone female staff member’.
The youth was granted bail of £200 with a £750 surety and a curfew from 7pm to 7am. He will also be electronically tagged and must fully engage with the Youth Justice Agency.
The youth was also ordered not to go within 100 metres of the Day Today store and not to have any contact with any of its staff members.
 

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