AN armed robber who terrified a shopkeeper while brandishing a knife during an early morning raid has been jailed for more than seven years.

Louis Maniatt targeted the Premier Stores on Beaufort Road in the St Julians area of Newport on Tuesday, August 21.

At the city’s crown court, the 38-year-old, of Beechwood Crescent, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a knife in a public place.

Prosecutor Gareth James said the defendant had waited outside the store for it to open.

Outside the court, a Gwent Police spokesperson said: “Maniatt approached the counter and threatened the shopkeeper with a knife. He then went behind the counter and removed a quantity of tobacco and cigarettes before making off from the shop.

“He was located nearby by police in possession of the stolen items.”

The officer in the case, Detective Constable Alistair Frame, said: "This was a particularly distressing incident for the shopkeeper and other members of the public who were in the shop at the time of the incident.

“Due to the courageous actions of the shopkeeper, no one was seriously injured and the police were alerted quickly and were able to locate Maniatt nearby.

“We welcome the sentence imposed on Maniatt and would like to thank the witnesses for their support during the investigation."

The Argus spoke to the shopkeeper's brother on the morning of the robbery.

He told how Manniat entered the shop brandishing a knife and demanded she give him cash.

"My sister said 'no'", he said. "Then he came around behind the counter and tried to take one of the tills.

"When that didn't work, he opened the cigarette display and helped himself to cigarettes, then he left.

"She's OK, she handled things like a pro.

"There were two or three other people in here, too, when it happened."

It was heard in mitigation how Maniatt, who was represented by Ben Waters, had entered an early guilty plea to the offences.

The judge, Recorder Duncan Bould, handed the defendant an extended sentence of seven years and six months for the public protection.

Maniatt must serve at least four years and six months before being released from custody with an extended licence period of three years.