A HEROIN addict who donned a wig and robbed a rural petrol station till of £50 by terrifying a woman attendant has been given the chance to stay out of prison.

Darren Butler, aged 31, of Colletts Gardens, Broadway, pleaded guilty at Gloucester Crown Court to robbing Kathleen Greening of the money on September 24.

The court heard on Monday that Butler said sorry to his victim before running away over fields.

He was caught by Mark Greening, Mrs Greening's son, as he tried to make his getaway and was detained until police arrived.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC said Butler was "way out of his depth" trying to carry out the crime and is putting Mark Greening forward for a Sheriff's award of £100 for his bravery.

"Mr Greening would not have known whether the man he was chasing was a very vicious robber or the feeble man that he is," Judge Tabor said.

"I am going to recommend him for a Sheriff's award of £100 and I hope that he will be presented to him personally in the New Year."

The court heard that Mrs Greening went to serve Butler at the service station in Alderton, Tewkesbury, but when she opened the till he pushed her away and grabbed the money before running off.

Butler has also asked for a theft of around £130 from another rural petrol station where he had snatched the till, to be taken into consideration.

Rupert Lowe, defending, said his client was more than aware that a sentence of imprisonment would be justified.

He said after Butler lost his job he had resorted to crime, committing the robbery and one other offence which he was asking to have taken into consideration.

Judge Tabor said he was able to take a "wholly exceptional route" in this case because it was so unlikely that Butler would offend again.

"Small shops, especially in isolated areas, require the protection of the courts and you could have no argument if I were to send you to prison.

"You are an immature man who does not have the benefit of a strong character or a strong will.

"You could have no complaint if I sent you to prison for two years but I am going to give you the chance to rid yourself of your drug habit."

Butler was given a two-year community order with a supervision requirement for two years. He will have monthly reviews starting at the beginning of January. He was warned he faces prison if he breaches the court order.