AN armed robber who burst into an off licence wearing a balaclava and brandishing a knife was jailed for five years.

Nicholas Carlin, 32, of Harold Avenue, Burnley, struck at FM Grocers, in Cog Lane, with a 17-year-old Burnley youth, who cannot be named.

Preston Crown Court heard how shopkeeper Haslam Khan was struck in the face with a drinks can before the pair left without any money -- grabbing a crate of lager on their way out.

The court heard Carlin held a knife in the air and shouted for Mr Khan to hand over cash from the till.

The robbery was captured on CCTV and a video was played during the sentencing hearing at court.

Carlin denied robbery but was found guilty by a jury following a trial in January. He was jailed for five years.

His co-defendant pleaded guilty in December and was sentenced to a 12-month detention and training order.

Peter Horgan, prosecuting, told the court Mr Khan was working in the shop when the raid took place.

He said Carlin entered the premises wearing a balaclava and carrying a knife. He approached Mr Khan and told him to hand over the money.

The youth entered the shop unmasked. At some stage Mr Khan was struck in the face with a drinks can. Carlin picked up the crate of lager and left.

When police arrived at the home of the youth, 16 cans of lager were found.

He said he had been made to commit the offence by the other lad whom he did not know. He had agreed to take part because he was scared but did not know Carlin had a knife. When charged he said he was sorry.

When Carlin was arrested he made no comment.

Roger Baldwin, defending Carlin, said a custodial sentence of some length was inevitable. At the time of the offence Carlin had separated from his wife. He was taking heroin and drinking to excess.

While in custody Carlin had not been taking drugs. He had admitted his guilt to a probation officer. He was now reconciled with his wife, who had attended court.

Tony Cross, defending the 17-year-old, said he had made admissions to police. He had pleaded guilty and was remorseful. The offence had been out of character. It was unlikely he would trouble the criminal courts again.

Judge David Boulton told Carlin: "This robbery was pre-planned. The mask you wore had two purposes. One to disguise your appearance to add to the terror of a vulnerable shopkeeper and to make him more compliant to your wishes.

"There is a need to punish you and deter others from doing what you did," he added. He told the youth "I have to mark this offence with a term of custody."