Man tried to rob post office with a nail file

Jordan Hamill demanded a member of staff fill up a plastic bag with money, but fled after another employee pressed an alarm.

He handed himself in at Bellshill police station less than two hours later, Hamilton Sheriff Court was told.

Hamill (24) of Turquoise Terrace, admitted attempted robbery at the Nisa in North Road on February 6.

Callum Forsyth, prosecuting, said Hamill entered the premises at 2pm with a supermarket bag, went up to the counter and told staff member Aisha Majid to “put it in the bag”.

Mr Forsyth stated: “She was somewhat incredulous and thought she had misheard him. But he told her to give him the money and kept repeating ‘Put it in the bag’.

“The accused lifted his jumper and the worker saw what she thought was a knife. Other members of staff heard him demand money and one pressed an alarm button. Hamill left, realising they weren’t going to hand over any money.

“About 3.45pm the accused presented himself at the police station and said ‘I want to hand myself in for the robbery down the shop. It was me.’ He produced a nail file and said that what was what he had used.”

Hamill, who has no previous convictions, appeared from custody as he is being held in relation to another matter.

His solicitor, Alan Murray, said he has mental health problems which might be “drug-induced” and spent time in hospital.

Sentence was deferred for background reports.