A MAN who broke into a corner shop and tried to prise open an ice cream cabinet with a machete has been spared an immediate prison sentence “because it was another person who held primary responsibility for the offence”, a court heard.

Kallum Armstrong, aged 20, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, possessing a knife in public and handling stolen bank cards and documents which had been taken in a separate street robbery.

Armstrong, of Crompton Close, Hall i’ th’ Wood, was sentenced for the three charges at Bolton Crown Court yesterday.

“Ordinarily, it would be unthinkable for there to be anything but a custodial term imposed for aggravated burglary but I am influenced by the fact that it was apparent that another person was primarily responsible for the offending”, Judge Timothy Stead said.

The court heard how Armstrong and another man broke into the TFG shop in Halliwell Road in the early hours of January 16, 2018.

They began stealing items including drinks, cigarettes and a till. The goods were recovered by police, but £1,400 worth of damage had been done to the shop.

A woman living opposite the grocers was alerted by the sound of breaking glass and telephoned the police.

After a chase, police caught Armstrong and arrested him, at which point they found he had a knife on him.

Police checked the CCTV and discovered that there was another man inside the building who produced a large machete from under his jumper.

“The machete was produced from under the jacket of the other offender”, Judge Stead said. “The machete was not taken in by the defendant but was handed to him. His only use of it was as a tool.”

The court heard that Armstrong has “responded positively” to meetings with Bolton at Home and key workers since the break-in.

He has not offended since last January, has stable accommodation and is keen to engage with probation and mental health services.

Hugh Barton, defending, said: “His partner he describes as a very positive influence in attending these various commitments. He has tried to stop taking drugs altogether. He appears today quite focused on addressing these issues.”

Armstrong was sentenced to two years in a young offenders institution for aggravated burglary, six months for having an article with a blade, and one month for handling stolen goods, all of which have been suspended for 18 months. He is also required to complete a rehabilitation activity requirement of 25 days.

Judge Stead, sentencing, said: “You took part in the burglary of a shop in the middle of the night. No one was present or likely to be present.

“You were with another person He has not been prosecuted but I am aware that the individual is known to the police.

“In the circumstances, I’m satisfied that you are someone who at the age of 20 does not have the greatest capacity to think clearly about future consequences of your actions. You are not someone who has the strength to resist the pressures or attractions. I’m satisfied that there was a degree of pressure placed on you to commit this offence and pressure by someone of a dominant personality, that individual being the one who took the machete into the premises.”

He added: “I find exceptional circumstances for not imposing an immediate custodial term. In recent months you have shown sense that you not only desire to do better and have a better life for yourself but you have actually been trying hard.”

He warned: “You really are on very thin ice now. If you go through that ice, you are looking at two years to start with.”