Wigan thief had carrier bag on his head

And a shop assistant who got caught up in the terrifying if bizarre drama was handed a commendation and £300 reward by the case judge for trying to intervene.

Thomas Gough, 26, of Greenfield Avenue, Ince, was this week beginning a three years and four months prison term after pleading guilty to holding up the Lifestyle Express outlet on Ince Green Lane, Ince, on February 25 this year.

A Bolton Crown Court hearing was told that he entered the store with a blue plastic bag, with eyeholes cut out, pulled over his face and a bob cap on top.

He managed to get into a secure area of the shop where he struggled with shop assistant Joanne Dainty before fleeing with a cash box containing £600.

Gough pleaded guilty to robbery on his first appearance at the Bolton Court, having previously appeared before Wigan and Leigh magistrates.

As well as the 40-month jail sentence, he was given a five-year restraining order preventing him or any associates from contacting Ms Dainty or any member of her household.

Ms Dainty was given a £300 award from common funds and a certificate of commendation by the judge.

The post approached Mrs Dainty but she declined to comment on her ordeal and subsequent bravery.