A bungling robber has been jailed for three years for attempting to raid a Bournemouth off-licence.

Ronald Woolgar, 38, admitted attempting to rob John Graham on December 23 last year.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court on August 13, Philip Warren said Woolgar of Shirley Road, Bournemouth, had been wearing a crash helmet when he entered Graham's Wines in Charminster Road.

"He produced a plastic bag and said 'fill it up' going behind the counter where the owner was standing.

"Mr Graham pushed the alarm button but the defendant did not back off and there was a tussle. Mr Graham fought manfully despite being punched in the back several times."

The court heard how the struggle had spilled out onto the pavement where passers-by came to Mr Graham's aid.

They held Woolgar down while Mr Graham phoned the police. "The would-be robber claimed he was having breathing difficulties and those trying to detain him eased off and he took his crash helmet off," added Mr Warren.

"He went over to a car where he made to sit down to catch his breath and leapt into the vehicle, driving off in some haste."

The court heard that the car had belonged to Woolgar's mother and his palm print had been found on the abandoned helmet.

Woolgar was arrested on January 14 this year.

Defending, Stuart Patterson said his client's drug problems were "at the root" of his behaviour.

He added that Woolgar was trying to address his heroin and crack cocaine addictions in prison.

Sentencing Woolgar, Judge John Beashel said: "This was quite a determined robbery. You fought with Mr Graham as he tried to protect his goods."

Speaking after the case, Mr Graham said: "I'm no hero. I didn't get the chance to be frightened. I'm just glad it is all over."

First published: August 14