A criminal who tried to settle a drug debt by robbing a man has been spared immediate prison.

Carl Armstrong, 40, committed the early morning crime in Workington against Gerald O'Hagan, believing that he was owed £300.

Carlisle Crown Court heard Mr O'Hagan was threatened with violence when an "angry and aggressive" Armstrong confronted him at an address in the town on March 23.

Having admitted a charge of attempted robbery, Armstrong was sentenced today by Judge Peter Davies.

A 16-month jail term was suspended for two years by the judge, who heard of the defendant's 99 previous offences but also his significant health problems.

Armstrong, of Everest Mount, Workington, must observe a four-month night-time curfew.

He was told by Judge Davies: "You can't go around to somebody else's home, causing trouble because you think they owe you money."