A drug addict who robbed a pharmacy using a replica gun was jailed for more than four years.
Philip White, 31, from Hoylake admitted holding up chemist at Higher Bebington Health Centre.
Liverpool Crown Court heard how Salim Malik let him in to the shop in Brackenwood Road, which was about to close, on December 1, because White said he needed some Night Nurse.
But when the pharmacist’s back was turned, White, of Queens Road said: “Put all the diazepam in a bag.”
Mr Malik thought White was joking, as he recognised his voice as that of a regular customer, and turned around smiling.
Robert Jones, prosecuting, said: “He said ‘do you think this is a joke mate?’ and pulled out what Mr Malik described as a small black handgun, not much bigger than the palm of his hand.
“He said it had what looked like Sellotape around the barrel of the gun.
“He said it was similar to a compact handgun. The gun was pointed at his chest.”
Mr Malik handed over up to 36 containers of diazepam and White fled the store.
The victim said the incident left him feeling anxious and he invested in improved security.
The defendant, appearing via video link from HMP Liverpool , admitted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.
He has 26 previous convictions for 30 offences. In 2005 he was locked up for five years for causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
In 2013 he was jailed for eight months after robbing a woman at an ATM in Birkenhead .
Paul Wood, defending said the heroin addict came from a “socially very difficult background” and started abusing drugs when he was 13.
He said he became addicted to diazepam and took 14 tablets a day while receiving it on prescription from his GP, but this was withdrawn.
he said: “He had not used for two days and he was desperate. He was in emotional turmoil because of his withdrawal symptoms.”
Jailing him for four years and eight months Judge Brian Cummings said White could have put Mr Malik in fear of death and his victim was “extremely frightened”.
He said the anxious pharmacist lost money taking steps to improve the shop’s security, adding: “All this is your fault.”
Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/