A desperate robber who went into a convenience store with a 'fearsome' machete was recognised by a staff member - because they'd been to college together.
Jamie Tait, 23, has been jailed for four years after he robbed a Spar store on Hollin Lane, Middleton. Tait said he had recently split up with his girlfriend, lost his job, fallen out with members of his family and had lost his benefits.
Minshull Street Crown Court heard that at around 9pm on January 27, Tait went into the store, where three members of staff were on duty.
They noticed Tait enter wearing a bandana covering his face. One staff member asked him to take if off, prosecutor Simon Barrett said.