Two masked brothers attempted to rob a betting shop after being encouraged to do so by their criminal stepfather.
The teenagers, aged 16 and 17, burst into Ladbrokes, in Newland Street, Witham, and pushed manager Linda Beales to the floor, but left without stealing anything.
Mrs Beales, who has managed the store for 21 years, told Colchester Youth Court she was still suffering psychological trauma as a result of the incident.
The brothers, who were given detention orders by magistrates yesterday, had been living in local authority care, one in Tiptree and the other in Chelmsford, since the incident, on January 7.
See today's Daily Gazette for the full story
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article