Andrzej Kostrzewski jailed at Southampton Crown Court

Andrzej Kostrzewski took out a knife while queuing at Lidl in the High Street.

"Give me the money and do not call security" were his words during the robbery on July 10 this year.

After coming up "very close" to the female cashier he removed a large "black-handled kitchen knife" and "pushed the point into the top of the till".

He "ditched" his blade in a rubbish bin before walking out the store with £310 in cash.

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Kostrzewski of Hanover Buildings appeared before Southampton Crown Court on Tuesday facing one count of robbery and a count of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

He previously pleaded guilty.

Extracts from a victim statement read out in court said how she felt very threatened and frightened to work on the tills again.

The female cashier was left feeling "tearful and shaky" following the robbery.

Prosecution barrister, Alec Williams told how Kostrzewski had originally entered the Lidl store and selected a bottle of whiskey.

But, after leaving he was seen "lingering" outside.

When a security guard followed him and asked for the cash, Kostrzewski said: "Call the police. I need help."

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Defending, Keely Harvey said Kostrzewski's actions were "out of character" with the event "brought about by a mental health episode that he was suffering from.

She argued the money was returned.

Furthermore, he is "sorry for the effect that this has had on the cashier".

During sentencing Judge Gary Burrell QC said: "you knew the difference between right and wrong".

He added: "What you did frightened this lady badly."

Kostrzewski was jailed for three years.