A man has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to an attempted robbery in Camborne.

Anthon Van Der Hoven, 48, from Hayle, appeared at Truro Crown Court on Tuesday via video link in front of His Honour Judge Harvey Clarke where he entered a guilty plea to two charges.

On sentencing Van Der Hoven the judge said that he had taken into account that the defendant had pleaded guilty and was remorseful for his actions, but had also considered the impact of his actions on the victim and her family.

At around 4pm on March 14, Van Der Hoven entered the Carnhell Green post office wearing a black face covering and carrying a cleaver type knife.

Detective Constable Charlotte Robinson-Masters, of Penzance CID, said: “Van Der Hoven demanded money from the female shop owner and banged his knife down twice on the counter as he shouted his demands for money.

“He ran off empty handed after a loud panic alarm was activated by the victim’s husband who was also present in the shop. He was arrested around a week after the offence as a result of a police investigation where he made admissions to the police from the start.”

Van Der Hoven was charged with attempted robbery and being in possession of a bladed article in a public place.

DC Robinson-Masters added: “The case was dealt with swiftly from the offence being committed through to the conclusion. I’m pleased that we have got this result for the victim and her family who were left very distressed by the incident.”