A CARLISLE crook who robbed a takeaway delivery driver at knifepoint in the street at night has heard the prison sentence which he faces will be “measured in years”.

James Moray Broughton, 32, appeared at the city’s crown court, remotely over a video link, earlier today (thurs).

During a short hearing in front of Recorder Mark Ainsworth, Broughton spoke to say “sorry for those” after he pleaded guilty to four offences.

One of the charges he admitted was the robbery of a delivery driver, who was sat in his vehicle on Carlisle’s Trafalgar Street as the crime occurred on the night of October 4 this year.

Broughton is said to have made demands for money while jabbing a blade towards the victim, before making off with around £150 cash.

The delivery driver is said to have been unhurt.

Broughton also admitted the illegal possession of a pocket knife in public at Trafalgar Street on the same date.

He further admitted assaults on two  emergency workers — police constables during the execution of their duties — the following day.

His lawyer, Mark Shepherd, said there was no formal basis submitted by the defendant for the admissions he had made.

“Mr Broughton understands one, that a custodial sentence is inevitable and, secondly, that his sentence will be measured in years and not months,” said Mr Shepherd.

“He understands those two matters. However, it is a matter for the court whether or not a (probation service pre-sentence) report is necessary to assist with dangerousness.”

Recorder Ainsworth concluded that he did have a public duty to seek such a report.

Prosecutor Gerard Rogerson said he was also supportive of an adjournment to the case as that would allow an impact statement to be taken from the robbery victim.

This would provide, he said, “great assistance as to where the matter falls” in the Sentencing Council guidelines which will be used to determine the correct level of Broughton’s punishment.

Recorder Ainsworth postponed the sentencing hearing until December 2. Broughton, of Trafalgar Street, Carlisle, was remanded in custody in the meantime.

Recorder Ainsworth told the defendant of the report being requested: “It is an important document. It helps the court assess the level of risk going forwards. You must engage with that if you can.

“As has been said, the only question is ‘how long’ in this case, apart from the issue of dangerousness.”