A KNIFEMAN who went into a building society but was then comforted by the manager when he started to cry has been sent to jail for four years.

Ex-convict, William James Thomas, 47, who had told the manager he was armed and wanted to go back to prison, claimed somebody was going to saw his legs off.

Thomas, who also later tried to hold up a garage cashier and produced a pair of scissors, was granted his wish by Judge Raymond Bennett, who sent him to jail for four years, to be served after the 224-day unexpired portion of his last sentence.

The defendant, of Conway Avenue, Blackburn, earlier admitted possessing an offensive weapon, attempted robbery and also theft allegations for which he was committed for sentence by magistrates.

Philip Holden, prosecuting, told Burnley Crown Court that last November, the defendant went into the Bradford and Bingley Building Society in Blackburn, appeared agitated and started to cry.

The manager sat down with the defendant and made him a cup of tea.

He told the manager he was armed, wanted to go back to prison and if he had to threaten him with it, he would.

A short time later officers arrived and when Thomas was searched, a kitchen knife with a 4in blade was found.

Thomas claimed he was under pressure and was still in fear for his life. The manager did not feel threatened by the defendant, but just concerned by his behaviour.

Mr Holden said in February, Thomas went into the King Street Service Station in Blackburn, handed the cashier a note, demanded cash from the till and said he had a gun. The assistant at first thought he was joking, but Thomas told him he was not and when he tried to leave the garage, couldn't because the outer doors had been locked by the cashier.

The alarm had been raised and when Thomas found he could not get out, he produced a pair of scissors and lunged at the cashier. Police arrived and Thomas lay on the ground and was handcuffed.

When he was arrested and taken to the police station, he claimed voices in his head had told him to commit the crime whilst he was under the influence of drink.

Ian Whitehurst, defending, said the offensive weapon offence was a cry for help. Thomas had lived on the streets for many years, had difficulties in his relationship with his former partner and the split from his daughter had affected him.

The defendant was a binge drinker. He took alcohol because he liked it and it took him out of the situation he found himself in. He may have had alcoholic hallucinations.

Mr Whitehurst said Thomas had problems and urged the court to show mercy and compassion when passing sentence.