A TEENAGER who armed himself with a golf club in a bid to raid a service station has kept his freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Daniel Machin, 16, who wants to follow his brother into the Army, would have had no hope of signing up if he was sent to custody.

Recorder Anthony Sanden, told Machin he had come to his decision with 'considerable hesitation,' but a very important part of what needed to be done with him was to give him support.

He added that some people may say he was being over-lenient, but he was giving the defendant a chance. The judge went on: "Take advantage of it. Don't let this court down."

Machin, now of Preston New Road, Blackburn, but then of Albion Street, Nelson, earlier admitted attempted robbery and had sentence deferred last September. He was given a two year supervision order.

The court heard that at about 1am last June, Machin went into the Esso garage at Colne, armed with a golf club. He demanded cash and smashed the club down on the counter.

The shop assistant pressed the alarm button, Machin fled and was later arrested. He co-operated with police and told officers where the golf club was.

John Woodward, defending, said Machin had been working at Woodheads abattoir, Colne, but could not stay there because fellow workers were winding him up. The defendant admitted he had a short fuse and would have taken the law into his own hands.

Machin had been looking for other work but had not been successful and he had also found himself homeless.

Machin was very interested in joining the Army and his hopes would be scuppered if he was sent to detention. He had not been in trouble since the offence.

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