A MAN who "lost his sense of reality" carried out a knifepoint robbery at a local store, a court heard today.

Anthony Furlong was recognised by the terrified staff as he had twice been in the previous day and stole two crates of lager and cider.

He fled the scene, the Co-op in Warrington Road, Prescot after the robbery with the £70 cash takings.

But was he arrested later the same day, March 7 after being recognised from CCTV footage by police officers.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that when he was searched Furlong, who was drunk, was found to have a bag of cocaine in his sock.

Jailing 25-year-old Furlong for two years, Judge David Aubrey, QC, told him, "You did not disguise yourself but you had a knife and implanted fear in your victims."

He said he accepted there had been no sophistication about the raid and little or no planning.

Furlong, of Beaconsfield, Prescot, pleaded guilty to robbery, possessing a knife, possessing cocaine and two thefts.

Paul Blasbery, prosecuting, said that Furlong had gone into the store about 10.20am and pointed a kitchen knife with a seven inch blade at the two women staff and demanded cash.

When interviewed he admitted the robbery and said he had been drunk that day and also the previous day when he stole the alcohol and on those two occasions had also been under the influence of drugs.

Ian Morris, defending, said that using alcohol and drink had led to Furlong leading a chaotic life style and he has a long history of mental health issues.

He is being supported by his family and wishes to apologise to his victims, added Mr Morris.