A Gate Pa man whose synthetic cannabis craving led him to demand cash and ciggies from a shopkeeper at knifepoint has been jailed for two years and seven months.
Aaron James Junior Hone, 22, who earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of assault with intent to rob and two charges of shoplifting involving stealing two sweatshirts and a $50 petrol drive-off, was sentenced in Tauranga District Court today.
Hone attempted to hold up Greerton Liquor Store owner Karamjid Kaur on February 17 with a knife after his request to hand over cigarettes and cash was refused but he backed off when
Mrs Kaur produced a softball bat, whacked it down on the counter and raised it towards him.
Hone repeated his demand but eventually left empty-handed after the victim grabbed a phone and called out "police, police".