Police have welcomed the jailing of a man who tried to rob a snooker club using an imitation hand gun.

Luke Jones, 29, held the weapon to the head of bar worker Yvette Smith – but the attempted robbery failed when Ms Smith recognised Jones by his voice.

She called him by his name and he took off the balaclava and hugged her – claiming the raid has been a joke.

He fled to his father’s nearby house and officers later arrested him.

The court heard how Jones had befriended his victim by going to the Bargoed Emporium Snooker Club as a customer.

Ms Smith said she had become suspicious of him after his questioning of the club’s cashing up procedures.

Jones was sentenced to eight years in prison at Cardiff Crown Court earlier this month after pleading guilty to attempted robbery, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of cannabis and possession of heroin with intent to supply.

The attempted robbery happened at Bargoed Emporium Snooker Club last year, on December 27.

DC Chloe Collins, who led the investigation, said: “This was a particularly frightening ordeal for the member of staff involved and it has had a massive impact on all aspects of her life. We welcome the sentence given, and hope that it provides the victim with some closure.”

A statement given to police by Ms Smith said she was “petrified” by what had happened and had been prescribed medicine to help her sleep.

Ms Smith said: “I’m absolutely petrified following this incident. I’m distraught. I do not know if I can work in the bar again.

“I honestly thought it was a real gun and I was going to be killed. Even talking about it to the police is upsetting to me. I could not sleep last night as every time I closed my eyes I could see a gun in my face.”

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