A JUDGE has warned two men involved in a terrifying armed raid at a Workington convenience store that they face inevitable jail sentences.

At Carlisle Crown Court today, 29-year-old Mark Huddart and Brian Holliday, 34, both admitted robbery.

They admitted robbing a shop worker - stealing money and tobacco - at the McColls convenience store and newsagents in Harrington Road on the morning of November 4.

Addressing the defendants directly, Judge Nicholas Barker told them: "Brian Holliday and Mark Huddart, you have pleaded guilty to this offence of robbery, which of course as you will appreciate is a serious matter - entering into this store, being armed, with threats made and monies taken."

 

The judge ordered pre-sentence background reports on both defendants.

The judge added: "I know you appreciate, the pair of you, that the only sentence the court can have in mind is one of custody."

The judge remanded both men in custody and set their sentencing date as January 22.

Holliday's address had been given as Harrington Road while his co-defendant is said to live at St Andrews Road, Workington.

In earlier statements, the police confirmed they were called at around 8am on the morning to robbery after two men entered the store, allegedly armed respectively with an axe and a crowbar.

In court, both men spoke only to confirm their personal details and to enter their pleas.