A NEWPORT teenager tried to rob a Post Office with a BB gun because he simply "had the idea" and couldn't stop himself, a court heard this morning.

Kane Wannell, 19, of Tredegar Park View appeared at Cardiff Crown Court this morning having previously pleaded guilty to attempting to rob Bassaleg Post Office using an imitation firearm in September.

The court heard how the defendant walked into the Bassaleg post office on Caerphilly Road, at just before 1pm on Monday, September 5, with his face covered and brandishing an imitation firearm concealed in a bag.

Prosecuting, Julian Greenwood said how originally the postmaster Shaun Pritchard and his family – Julie Pritchard and step-daughter Claire McFadden – thought it was joke, before Mr Wannell shouted "armed robbery".

South Wales Argus:

The court heard that Wannell shouted that it is was "not a ******* joke" and began prodding the gun into Mr Pritchard's head.

Mr Greenwood told the court that the defendant was chased out of the shop by Mr Pritchard, who had thrown a punch at Wannell during the attempted robbery.

Wannell turned himself into the police the following day. “I went into the post office with a BB gun in a plastic bag,” added Mr Greenwood, reading the defendant’s statement to the police.

“The post office man laughed at me so I ran out of there, threw the gun, the balaclava and the suit I was wearing in the river. No-one else knew what I was going to do. I just could not stop myself.”

Defending, Gareth Williams told the court Wannell was fully remorseful about his actions.

“This is a very serious offence but there is another side to Mr Wannell,” said Mr Williams. “Nothing on his record is comparable to this. He surrendered himself to the police station and he admitted the offence to them, by the way of a written statement.”

Mr Williams added that the defendant had struggled following the death of his mother, and after a period of stability living with his brother, he moved in with his father while experiencing symptoms of depression.

Concluding, judge David Wynn Morgan labelled the psychological harm caused by the defendant’s actions to Mr Pritchard and his family as "evident, long-lasting and something he is reminded off every day".

Wannell was sentenced to four years in prison at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday morning, and will spend the first part of his sentence in a young offender’s institution. He will spend half of his sentence in custody before being released on licence.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Edwards, who led the investigation said: "This incident was a terrifying and distressing experience for the victim, as the offender intended to scare and steal from them.

“Kane held an imitation firearm wrapped in a plastic bag and pointed it at the victim whilst wearing a knitted hat over his face.

“Kane also demanded money from the victim before making off.

“This type of incident is rare in Gwent and we were determined to bring the person responsible to justice.

“The judge has handed down a sentence which reflects the seriousness of the offence and I hope it acts as a deterrent to prevent these offences being committed in the future,” added DS Edwards.