A ROBBER who raided a Hindley shop armed with a knife had his prison sentence extended after swearing at the judge.

Stephen Antony Mann, aged 21, of no fixed address, was given two concurrent sentences of seven years for two counts of robbery and a further 12 months to run consecutively for burglary yesterday, Tuesday.

But due to his reaction in the dock while being sentenced he was handed a further six months to run consecutively for contempt of court - giving him a total sentence of eight and a half years.

Mann admitted committing a business robbery and burglary after he threatened the owner of R and W Gore Newsagents on Atherton Road at knifepoint and demanded cash at about 2.45pm on October 15.

The shopkeeper refused to hand over any money and threw a wooden bat at Mann, hitting him in the back as he fled.

He was later arrested after he was seen riding a bike dangerously and failed to stop for police who pursued him.

He was located in Leyland Park and found to have an injury on his back consistent with what had occurred at the shop.

Mann was also found guilty of robbery following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court for stealing a pensioner’s handbag.

He left the 72-year-old woman with injuries to her arm, shoulder and chest after dragging her to the ground while stealing her handbag on Poolstock Lane, Wigan, on October 4.

Det Serg Nigel Rigby said: “Mann plagued the area, committing robberies and a burglary and would undoubtedly have continued had he not been caught.

“He is a prolific offender and his reaction in the dock reflects the kind of person he is and his contempt for the law.

“He has been handed a significant prison sentence and I am pleased he will not pose a threat to our community for the foreseeable future.”