A JURY was due to be sent out yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) to consider verdicts in the case of two teenagers accused of plotting to rob a Bewdley sub-post office.

Worcester Crown Court has heard how a 16-year-old masked gunman targeted the Hop Pole stores in Cleobury Road and demanded cash because of a £300 drug debt.

But he was put to flight by brave proprietor Mrs Uma Sharma who fought back with scissors and began screaming.

The prosecution allege that he ran across the road to meet two accomplices who were keeping watch.

Paul Swain, 18, of Richmond Road, Bewdley, and a 17-year-old deny conspiracy to rob the store and post office on November 4 last year.

The 16-year-old, who has admitted a similar offence, gave evidence that he discussed the crime with both defendants at the home of a 14-year-old schoolgirl.

He said the plan was to pay off his debt and divide any extra cash from the robbery with his accomplices.

He described how he walked into the store with a loaded air pistol, kicked Mrs Sharma in the stomach and smashed her phone with his gun when she tried to summon help.

He fled empty-handed when she began screaming and met up with the other youths in an alley. Police arrested the three as they walked to a Guy Fawkes bonfire.

Swain dismissed the 16-year-old as "a dreamer" who had fanciful ideas about breaking into cars - and even killing his father.

The 17-year-old told the jury he condemned the robbery plan as "stupid" when he first heard about it and had no part in it.