Andrew Craig was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted robbery and having an imitation firearm.

Tim Sapwell, prosecuting, said Craig, aged 26, of Aberdeen, had waited until the post office was quiet before making his move. He pulled his anorak hood over his head and menaced Mrs Whitehouse with the two metal tubes, demanding money.

When the alarm was raised, he fled to his mother's flat nearby. Neighbours later noticed a smell of burning and police found he had tried to burn his anorak. His fingerprints were found on the bag he had wanted filling with money.

Gareth Walters, defending, described it as a "desperate, foolhardy action" by someone seeking money for drugs. Craig has since kicked the habit on remand in jail and has the offer of a job from his father when released.

Judge Michael Mott accepted Craig had tried to eradicate the effect of drugs but said the robbery attempt was terrifying for post office staff.