A YOUTH tried to rob a take-away where he was known as a regular customer.

The brave victim immediately recognised him and told him so.

She engaged him in conversation and despite disguises she knew who it was, Mold Crown Court was told.

A gun was placed on the counter in front of her by an accomplice but she realised it was an imitation, which she regarded as a BB gun.

A judge praised the bravery of victim Megan Roberts, 18, and sent the two youths – who had never been in trouble before – into custody.

The court heard how they fled empty-handed and the whole incident was described as an ill-conceived episode of madness by a defence lawyer.

Sion Roberts, 22, of Third Avenue in Flint, who was known as a regular customer, received a 16 month sentence of youth detention.

A 17-year-old youth from Flint, who was also recognised but cannot be publicly identified because of his age, received an eight month detention and training order.

They both admitted attempted robbery and possessing an imitation firearm at Zainah's Take Away Restaurant on Northop Road in Flint, on the evening of November 2.

Judge Niclas Parry said he had been asked not to send them into custody but there had been an increase in the number of small shops being robbed by young men using weapons which caused concern to the public.

"The idea that two young men could disguise themselves and attempt a robbery with a firearm and not go into custody would cause outrage," he said.

The victim was working alone when they entered – and Roberts walked to within 40cm of her face.

They deliberately chose the take-away because it was small and they believed that they would not be recognised there.

Roberts had told the youth to bring along the imitation firearm, Roberts wore a hood up and had a scarf or balaclava over his face.

The youth had his mouth and face covered and Roberts demanded cash, asking her: "Where is the money?"

Then the youth placed the imitation gun in front of her so she could see it and frighten her, the judge said.

"What then happened is a testament to her character and fortitude.

"Although she described how her heart sank, she had the wherewithal to realise that the pistol did not look real and she thought it was a BB gun."

She recognised Roberts and in fear she engaged with him, telling him how she knew him.

Because of that they left empty handed.

Judge Parry said it was a testament to her fortitude and courage that she had returned to work. It was remarkable.

But she had changed her working patterns, was no longer left alone and was anxious when in work.

The judge told the defendants that thanks to the victim's honesty and decency – she had not exaggerated what had occurred – the level of harm fell to a lower category.

But they should understand that the starting point for an adult in such robberies was four years and it could go up to six years, he said.

Barrister Brett Williamson, prosecuting, said the victim immediately recognised Roberts who twice said: "Give us the money."

The second youth produced a pistol but she immediately realised it was an imitation.

However her heart dropped and she did not know what to do as she tried to process what was happening.

Mr Williamson said while armed officers later went to Roberts' home to arrest him there was never any belief that the gun used was real.

In the shop Miss Roberts confronted Roberts by telling him she knew his name, where he used to work, and told how she knew his brother.

He shook his head as if to say no as both ran out of the shop.

She had also recognised the youth.

The whole incident lasted some 30 seconds, the alarm was raised and both defendants were at Roberts' home when police recovered the imitation firearm and arrested them.

Interviewed, Roberts said he needed money, the robbery was his idea and he chose the take-away because he did not think he would be recognised.

The second youth said Roberts had told him to take the weapon to the take-away..

Neither had previous convictions.

Henry Hills, for Roberts, said: "This incident was an episode of madness arising from a daft idea to gain money by a robbery at a take-away where Roberts was a known customer."

It was, he said, an ill-conceived and ineffectual incident and Roberts was genuinely ashamed.

He immediately knew he was in serious trouble but remained at home and waited for the police to arrive.

Andrew Green, for the youth, referred to a quiet young man who had never been in any trouble before. He said those who knew him, family, friends and teachers, were shocked and could not believe that he was involved in such a serious matter.

"His shame and remorse is fulsome and genuine," he said.