UNAWARE that the man they were confronting was high on heroin and carrying a knife, customers at a Bridge store tried to come to the rescue of two frightened shop assistants.

While Candy Shop staff called their boss for help, Vincent Carey, 21, and his 17-year-old accomplice – who was also carrying a knife down the side of his trouser leg – shouted abuse at customers and threatened them.

Advocate Liam Roffey told the Magistrate’s Court that the two young men had bought some cigarettes shortly before the shop was due to close at 10pm on 19 February.

They had returned to the counter but were asked to leave because the shop was about to close, said Advocate Roffey.

The police were called and soon arrived.  The pair were searched and a three-inch knife was found on Carey while his partner had a nine-inch blade.

Advocate Chris Green, representing Carey, said his client had been fully cooperative with the police and had admitted the offence when interviewed. He said Carey could not recall much of the incident.

Advocate David Domaille, who represented the juvenile, said his client also had difficulty in remembering what had happened.

Judge Philip Robey adjourned the matter for probation reports. The pair were remanded in custody until 18 March.

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