In CCTV footage shown to the court, Chad James Rowe, 40, could be seen entering the shop at about 10.20pm on a Friday in March this year.
The woman shop assistant was on her own when Rowe, his face hidden by a snood-like covering and carrying a knife and a bag, walked up to the counter: ‘Can you just put the money you have in the bag, please,’ he said.
The assistant said that there was no money, but Rowe reiterated his request.
At this point another customer entered the shop. This man later told police that he could see the assistant was scared and that Rowe had a knife.
‘Get out of here, man,’ he said to Rowe.
The man said he did not have his Guernsey mobile phone on him, but got another phone out and pretended to call the police, with the assistant calling out the shop’s address, and he shouted for help.
He left the shop as Rowe moved away from the counter and walked out, at which point the shop assistant pressed the alarm button to call the police.
During a search of the area officers found a pair of blue shorts that had been turned into a make-shift snood. A cigarette dropped outside was later tested positive for Rowe’s DNA.
A member of the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre recognised Rowe, who was arrested at about 3.20am and it was clear that he had been drinking.
Crown Advocate Chris Dunford, prosecuting, said the shop assistant had declined to press charges for fear of possible repercussions but the shop owner had said he was shocked that something like this had happened in Guernsey and it made him scared for his staff.
The defendant had several previous convictions, including for theft, drugs, violence and breaches of bail and community service orders.
Rowe told police he was not able to remember what he had done, but when officers checked his mobile phone they found a message he had sent to a friend saying he had done something bad that night.
He went on to plead guilty to attempted robbery.
Advocate Samuel Steel, defending, said his client had written a letter of apology and was full of shame and regret at what he had done.
At the time of the offence he had been struggling, not only financially but also emotionally, following the death of two relatives. He had turned to alcohol to help deal with these emotions.
He had no home and spent most nights sleeping outside near the former Aquarium, he said.
After being alcohol-free while in custody he was determined to address his offending behaviour and he had received psychotherapy treatment.
He did not intend to remain in Guernsey but to move to the UK near to his daughter and grandchild.
In passing sentence, Judge Catherine Fooks said the court commended the bravery and actions of the customer and the shop assistant.
Account had been taken of Rowe’s apology and his willingness to work with services to address his behaviour.
‘This offence strikes at the very heart of this community and must remain as rare as it is,’ she said, adding that the court had to include a deterrent element in any sentence.
Rowe’s sentence will be backdated to his arrest in March and upon release he will be subject to a supervision order.
