Hungry Dean Toms popped into a shop to buy chocolate - and ended up grabbing £500 from the till.

Toms, 22, snatched the money when he saw the till drawer open at Martins newsagents in Whitmore Way, Basildon.

He later told police: "It was a spur of the moment thing. The till was open, so I took the money." In the raid, Toms knocked over manager David Williams, causing him to gash his head, Basildon Crown Court heard.

The manager needed five stitches for a head wound. He feels traumatised by the attack and is reluctant to work, said prosecutor Gerrard Pounder.

Toms, of Benfleet Park Road, Benfleet, pleaded guilty to robbery. He was jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Mr Pounder said that after Toms decided he wanted some chocolate, he saw the manager cashing up for the day and pushed him in the stomach.

Mr Williams was taken by surprise. He tumbled over and was left dazed and confused, added Mr Pounder.

He said that Toms dashed from the shop to a car, but a passer-by scribbled down his registration number and the defendant was later arrested. Toms first denied having anything to do with the robbery, but he was caught on CCTV and eventually confessed.

The defendant claimed he spent the £500 on buying new clothes and "going out" at night. He has previous convictions, including theft and handling stolen goods.

Judge Zoe Smith said Toms' pattern of offending was increasing at an alarming rate.

She said Mr Williams not only sustained a nasty injury but was in fear and terror after what happened. The judge told Toms: "One hopes that when you complete your prison sentence you will be a better human being for it."

Published Wednesday, April 10, 2002