A THUG armed with a scaffolding pole threatened a terrified shop assistant before stealing 545 scratchcards.

Scott Callaghan, 33, was high on Valium and booze when he targeted Nearbuys Convenient Store in Dovervelt Road, Canvey, just before closing time.

Callaghan, who had a Nike sock partially covering his face, told the woman: "give me your money b**** or I will hurt you".

He stole her purse and the scratch cards before fleeing.

Yesterday at Basildon Crown Court, Callaghan was locked up for five years.

Judge Christopher Mitchell told him: "You had obviously been watching her actions while she shut that store.

"You approached her with a scaffolding pole, shouted at her, threatened her and held the pole to her face.

"She opened the door of the shop and you went in, you were agitated and aggressive."

Lesli Sternberg, prosecuting, said the victim handed over her purse and once inside managed to lock herself in a back room and call police.

Callaghan soon fled, with the woman's purse and the scratch cards, but was captured on CCTV.

Police arrested him shortly after.

Ms Sternberg also said Callaghan, who had previous convictions for burglary and grievous bodily harm, committed the robbery just three days after being released from prison.

During sentencing Judge Mitchell said he had to take into account the fact the victim was left so traumatised she gave up her job and is now afraid to go out at night.

He added: "One hopes in due course she will recover her confidence."

Shop owner David Patient added: "I am glad this man has been locked up.

"It is the right thing to happen.

"It was an unfortunate incident and one that was very upsetting for our employee."

Callaghan, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the robbery, which happened in February, at an earlier hearing.