A DRUG addict who tried to rob an Irvine newsagents at knifepoint has been jailed.

Scott Miller, of Dickson Drive, carried out the terrifying robbery on January 2 at Premier Stores in Paterson Avenue (pictured).

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court previously heard how a four-year-old child was present when Miller, 31, stormed into the shop.

The dad-of-three presented a knife to a female staff member and demanded money from the till But after being bravely challenged by the woman, Miller fled empty-handed in the direction of Neil Avenue.

He was eventually caught and arrested by police.

Miller previously pleaded guilty to the attempted robbery at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court earlier this month and returned to the dock last week from custody for sentencing.

Alex Muir, defending, said Miller previously stayed with his parents to help his mother care for his father.

Miller’s three children came from a previous eight-year relationship but he split up from his partner about two years ago.

Mr Muir said his client now no longer sees his children and the difficulty with that led him to turn to heroin.

The solicitor said Miller’s drug use became “out of control” and quickly found himself in significant debt.

And he hoped he would be able to pay off that debt with the raid on the newsagents.

As referred to in Miller’s social work report, Mr Muir said his client had shown “genuine remorse” for his actions but was realistic about his sentence.

Presiding Sheriff Alistair Watson said: “There can only be on disposal in a matter of this gravity and that is a custodial sentence.

“This was a pre-planned crime not on the spur of the the moment, you entered the shop with your face masked and armed with a knife.

“A crime of that nature must be dealt with firmly. You do not have the worst criminal record that I will see in this court this week but you do have convictions which include the possession of a blade.

“The effect on the victims in this case must have been very significant. The shop worker behind the till is entitled to the protection of the courts.

“I also have to take into account the witnesses in the shop including a four-year-old child who had to witness this crime.”

Miller was sentenced to two years and five months in prison backdated to March 30 when he was remanded.