A ROBBER waited calmly for the police to arrest him just minutes after a member of the public stopped him raiding a store armed with a knife.

Ben Battle stormed into a store in Hambro Parade, Rayleigh and demanded cash from one of the shopworkers whilst brandishing a knife.

However, the “unsophisticated” attempt was short-lived as a passerby was alerted to what was happening and tried to intervene.

The member of the public then easily detained the 20-year-old, who did not offer any resistance whilst the police were called to the scene.

Officers arrested Battle, of Cheapside East, Rayleigh, at the scene and subsequently charged him with attempted robbery and possession of a knife.

Battle appeared at Basildon Crown Court via video link yesterday in front of Judge Samantha Cohen where he spoke only to confirm his name and nationality and admit his crimes.

Prosecuting, Andrew Jackson said the victim in the shop had been “terrified” by the incident but thankfully did not suffer any injuries.

He said: “He was ‘detained’ by a member of the public who had been alerted, but he did not put up any resistance and sat and waited patiently for the police to arrive.

“The guilt has always been there to the prosecution from that point.”

The court heard that Battle has been fighting an addiction to Class A drugs which he developed when at university.

The hearing was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

He is set to be sentenced at the same court the week beginning August 24.

Judge Samantha Cohen advised Battle to co-operate with prosecution as much as possible to potentially bring down his sentence - which could see him behind bars for an extended period.

She said: “You have to be sentenced for what is a very serious offence.

“I am sure you appreciate that the sentence start point is a sentence of immediate custody of some years.

“I encourage you to cooperate as much as you can with the probation service and solicitors. In the mean time you will be remanded in custody.”