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walking stick-up

Grandad held up newsagents with imitation Colt revolver after shuffling in on his walking stick

Ken Dodds, 69, levelled the realistic-looking weapon at terrified staff before making a very slow getaway

A GUN-toting grandad held up a newsagents with an imitation Colt revolver after shuffling in on his walking stick.

Ken Dodds, 69, levelled the realistic-looking weapon at terrified staff before making a very slow getaway.

 Ken Dodds attempted to hold up Young’s newsagents in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, after he had shuffled in on a walking stick
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Ken Dodds attempted to hold up Young’s newsagents in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, after he had shuffled in on a walking stick

He was collared by police moments later as he waited for his bus home. The pensioner had demanded £100 after entering the newsagents in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, at 8.30am on February 22.

Dodds had also tried to hold up a nearby cafe, but he left both empty-handed.

Chris Young, who owns Young’s newsagents, said: “He may look like an old man on a walking stick, but he left my staff terrified, some of them have struggled to get over it.

“In court he’s an old man with a limp, but when he’s holding a gun to your head it’s a completely different matter.”

 Dodds, 69, levelled the realistic-looking weapon at terrified staff before making a very slow getaway - stock image
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Dodds, 69, levelled the realistic-looking weapon at terrified staff before making a very slow getaway - stock image

Mr Young added: “A staff member opened the back door and tried to get the customers out the back. He was asking, ‘Where are they going?’.

“The girl he was pointing the gun at said, ‘To get your money’.

“He then walked out of the shop. The police got to him quickly.”

Dodds, of Newton Aycliffe, admitted two attemp­ted robberies and possessing an imitation firearm. He was bailed at Durham crown court and will be sentenced later.

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