A ROBBER who threatened to throw ammonia at a shop worker has been jailed for four and a half years.

Nathan Cooper, 26, of Bay Tree Road,  Ulverston, was jailed for robbery, attempted robbery and a possession of a corrosive substance offence.

Cooper pleaded guilty for the offences at an earlier hearing.

Preston Crown Court heard how on July 26 this year Cooper entered a premises on Market Street in Ulverston carrying a bottle of ammonia and threatened to throw acid in a staff member’s face, before demanding the till be opened.

He took £50 in cash.

In a separate incident, also on July 26, Cooper entered another premises in Ulverston telling the shop owner: "I’ve got some ammonia, where’s your till?"

No-one was harmed in either incident.

A/Detective Constable Oana-Petronela Pruncu said: ‘Nathan Cooper made serious threats towards his victims that he would cause them harm if they did not allow access to their tills.

“These offences can be terrifying for the victim and can have a lasting effect.

“We take robbery offences extremely seriously and such threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I am pleased with the sentence today and I hope this sends a message that we will do everything we can to bring criminals to justice.”