A ONESIE-WEARING thief threatened a shopkeeper with a carving knife, a court heard.

Jack Brooks, 22, burst into Tiplies Mini Market, in Brunshaw Avenue, Burnley, wearing the leopard print all-in-one outfit before demanding cash from the till.

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When the shopkeeper brought out a metal bar for protection, Brooks, of Travis Street, left empty-handed.

But he also left his footprints in the snow as he made his escape.

Brooks pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of a bladed article when he appeared before Burnley Crown Court.

He was sentenced to two years and eight months behind bars.

Speaking after the hearing, shop owner Mushtaq Ahmed said: “When I saw him in his onesie, I thought it was a joke. But then I saw the carving knife in his hand.

“I was in shock.

“When something like this happens unexpectedly, it is scary.”

Mr Ahmed said he had known Brooks for about 10 years as he had grown up in the area.

He said: “He was a nice lad. We all make mistakes. I forgive him and I feel sorry for him really.

“But he has to be taught the lesson that he cannot do this kind of thing to anybody else.”

A Lancashire police spokesman said: “This was an excellent result for the victim and wider community resulting from a first class police response and subsequent investigation.”