A HEROIN addict who tried to hold up a petrol service station near Droitwich with a knife and gun has been jailed for four years.

Judge Michael Mott said, at Worcester Crown Court, that it was clear the offence had been committed to fund a drug habit.

Peter Lewthwaite, aged 35, of Prospect Road North, Lakeside, Redditch, was convicted of attempted robbery on a 10-2 verdict.

The judge ordered him to be under supervision for three years after completion of his sentence and warned that commission of a similar offence could result in automatic life imprisonment.

Lewthwaite was arrested after a police patrol car was unwittingly driven on to the forecourt of the service station at Wychbold while the armed hold-up was in progress on February 5.

Lewthwaite, an electrician, claimed he was only play-acting to be arrested.

His ex-wife Lorraine and a friend, Yvonne Carter, told the court he was depressed prior to the offence and said he wanted to be locked up so his heroin addiction could be treated.