A MORETON-IN-MARSH man who burst into a Cheltenham store armed with a knife and tried to rob the shopkeeper confessed to police just minutes after the violent attack, a court heard yesterday.

Anthony Smith, 22, of Stockwell Road, Moreton-in-Marsh, has pleaded guilty to assault with intent to rob while armed with a knife and possessing a knife in a public place. Gloucester crown court has heard he grappled with the shopkeeper during the incident.

A pre-sentence report has been prepared by the probation service but the judge, Recorder Gordon Bebb QC, told Gloucester Crown Court that a report by a consultant psychiatrist should now also be prepared.

Defending lawyer Mathew Harbison said that his client had significant learning difficulties and would benefit from such a report.

The attempted robbery took place on May 5 this year at Albion Stores, Albion Street, Cheltenham

Smith burst into the store armed with a knife and grappled with the shopkeeper, demanding money.

The attack only ended when security officers entered the shop and separated the pair.

The chilling incident was captured on CCTV which was played to the court at a previous hearing.

Said Mr Harbison: “My client has not only pleaded guilty at the first opportunity but he told police straightaway what he had done.

“ He confessed fully to officers a mere ten minutes after the incident.”

Recorder Bebb said: “I will adjourn this case so that a report by a consultant psychiatrist can be obtained.

“The defendant is of previous good character and will receive conditional bail as before.”

Smith will be sentenced on October 17.