A BALACLAVA-WEARING thug with a knife attempted to rob a fearless convenience shop worker after drug dealers threatened his mum, a court heard on Friday.

Benjamin Carruthers tried to raid Wallisdown News in Bournemouth on November 19 last year, but was forced to flee empty-handed after being battled off by lone worker Ozcan Yildirim.

The incident was captured on CCTV.

In the footage, Carruthers storms into the convenience store and demands money from the till while pointing a large blade over the counter.

Mr Yildirim initially attempted to fend Carruthers off using a National Lottery till roll box. The two men then tussled over the counter as Mr Yildirim landed a series of blows, finally managing to disarm the raider and take off his mask and jumper as he left the scene.

He was allegedly slashed across the hand during the struggle.

Carruthers has now appeared in at Bournemouth Crown Court via prison video link to admit attempted robbery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and having an offensive weapon.

However, the case could not proceed to sentence because Carruthers may be charged with another, similar offence, it was alleged.

Judge Oba Nsugbe QC said the issue of "dangerousness" should be considered ahead of a sentencing hearing.

If a defendant is found to be 'dangerous', a legal definition, a sentence can be extended.

"He had a balaclava and a knife. The weapon was visible. The shopkeeper resists, but it doesn't seem to deter this defendant," the judge said.

"It just seems to be inevitable that it's going to be an issue."

Nick Robinson, mitigating, said: "It's not only out of character but he deeply regrets it.

"He is from a good family. His mum is in the courtroom to support him.

"He has been through a very difficult period of time, including the breakdown of a relationship, the misuse of drugs and a drug debt."

On the day of the attempted robbery, the 39-year-old defendant's mum was threatened by dealers who knew her address, Mr Robinson said.

"Impulsively, he did what he did in order to protect her," the barrister added.

Judge Nsugbe adjourned the case for eight weeks to allow the CPS to make a charging decision on the second allegation.