A 53-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed after he attempted to rob a post office in East Dorset.

David Charles Morey from Bournemouth entered the post office in Smugglers’ Lane in Furzehill wearing a balaclava at around 3.15pm on September 3.

Staff saw him holding a knife as he went to remove a till.

As Morey tried to leave the shop, a member of staff kicked out at him, causing him to stumble and drop the till.

Morey left the shop empty-handed and left the scene in a white Seat Ibiza, which had concealed number plates.

“Following fast-time enquiries and an extensive trawl of CCTV in the area, the vehicle was subsequently identified and found to be registered to Morey, who was then arrested and later charged,” a spokesperson said.

Morey appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on December 6 for sentencing after he admitted attempted robbery and possessing a bladed article.

He was jailed for four years and four months after also asking for three shoplifting offences to be taken into consideration as he was sentenced.

Detective constable Fiona Napier, of Dorset County CID, said: “This must have been a terrifying encounter for staff at the post office, who were simply going about their daily business.

“I am pleased that through our detailed enquiries, we were able to identify David Morey as the man responsible for this offence and bring him to justice for his criminal behaviour.

“I would also like to thank members of the public who provided information to assist our investigation and helped to provide vital evidence.”

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