A RAIDER who "lost his nerve" during an armed robbery on a jeweller's shop has failed to overturn his indefinite sentence.

However the minimum term that Clark Townsend, from Accrington, must spend behind bars was reduced by 12 months to two-and-a-half years by Court of Appeal judges.

The court in London heard that Townsend, 27, brandished an imitation firearm during his attempted robbery, resulting in a terrifying experience for the staff at the exclusive jewellery store in Lancaster.

Townsend, of Whalley Road, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm and was sentenced in Preston Crown Court on August 8 last year to indefinite imprisonment for public protection with a minimum term of three-and-a-half years.

Mr Justice Openshaw said that, on March 8 last year, Townsend initially became agitated and pointed the gun at staff again, before he "lost his nerve" and fled empty handed.