AN armed thug who robbed a service station where he was a regular customer wearing a Hi-Vis jacket and a pair of pink socks on his hands has been jailed for four years.
The High Court in Glasgow heard that although 40-year-old David McDowall had a scarf covering part of his face he was recognised by forecourt attendant Elaine Mellis who told him: "Do you really think I don't know who you are?"
McDowall pointed a gun at Ms Mellis and gestured for her to open the till, but she just kept pretending she wasn't scared and said she didn't have a key to open the till.
Advocate depute Paul Brown, prosecuting, told the court that McDowall was caught because the Ms Mellis identified him and because his DNA was on a sand bucket he used to wedge open the door before entering the shop area of the petrol station.
McDowall admitted intent to rob AM Service Station in Earl Gray Street, Mauchline, Ayrshire, by presenting an imitation firearm at Ms Mellis and demanding money from her on July 28.
McDowall cocked the gun and it made a clicking sound before pointing at the till. Bravely Ms Mellis told McDowall: "You're wasting my time."
She then told him she did not have the key for the till.
Mr Brown added: "She described the accused as wearing a yellow high visibility jacket and pink sock on his hands. "He also had a grey scarf covering part of his face."
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