A 32-year-old man who was caught on CCTV threatening a shopkeeper at knife-point has pleaded guilty to the offence in court.  

Clifford Sculpher went into the Wine Cellar on Parkinson Street in Mill Hill on January 3 but fled empty handed after the shopkeeper fought him off.

Lancashire Telegraph:

He was arrested and charged after an investigation by Blackburn CID.

On Monday, Sculpher, 32, of Brindle Street, Blackburn, appeared at Preston Crown Court and admitted offences of attempted armed robbery and possession of a knife.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Detective Constable Josh Boswell, of East CID, said: “This was a shocking incident for the victim who was faced with a man wielding a large knife.

"I would like to commend his bravery, but would urge others not to fight armed attackers if faced with a similar situation.

“I welcome these guilty pleas and would expect a significant custodial sentence to follow.”

Footage from the Mill Hill shop showed Sculpher, who was wearing a mustard-coloured parka jacket with a fur trim, approach the shop keeper before pulling out a large knife and waving it around.

At the time, a spokesperson for the police said: "We were called at shortly before 12.50pm on Sunday January 3 to the report of a knifepoint robbery at an off licence on Parkinson Street, Blackburn.

"It is believed that a man, thought to be in his thirties, has entered the store making demands for money.

"When a shop employee has refused, the offender has then brandished a knife.

"He left the shop without any money or property and made off in the Mill Hill direction.

"The offender is around 5ft 8ins and was wearing a long yellow/mustard coloured parka jacket with a fur trim on the hood, grey joggers and grey/white trainers."

Sculpher will be sentenced in June.