A man who lunged at a shopkeeper with a knife after being told he couldn't buy alcohol has been jailed.

Woolwich Crown Court heard that Lee Anthony Brown, of no fixed address, had been refused service of alcohol at the Erith Mini Market on Saturday, March 3 because it was before 7am.

After being refused service, the 35-year-old, along with an unknown man, picked up a couple cans of beer and left the store without paying.

A few minutes later Brown entered the store again and opened the Perspex door to gain access to the area behind the till.

The store owner was standing behind the area and Brown then said “come out I need to get to the till."

Brown then tried to punch the victim in his head.

In fear that Brown was going to carry on hitting him and take the money from the till, the victim picked up an object and hit his attacker with it.

After a short struggle, Brown left the store without taking anything.

But it wasn't over just yet as Brown soon returned.

The store owner could see that Brown was now holding a large kitchen knife.

Brown managed to open the perspex door once again and then lunged forward towards the store owner with the knife.

A struggle ensued where the store owner managed to overpower Brown and take the knife from him.

Brown then ran out of the shop.

Brown pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possessing an offensive weapon and on August 24, was sentenced to 10 years in jail.