A MAN left his victim “terrified” after an attempted robbery in Southampton city centre, a court heard.

Dean Angel was caught carrying a stainless steel knife and penknife by police moments after he demanded money from his victim.

The offence happened at the cash point outside Hooch and Candy, in Bedford Place, on June 18.

At Southampton Crown Court the 33-year-old admitted shouting “give me your money” after the man tried to withdraw £30 at 1.30am following a night out in town.

The court heard that the victim was left “genuinely terrified” by the incident.

Prosecuting, Siobhan Linsley told the court that the victim had “become aware of someone behind him” and that when they turned saw a man in a hooded top, with something in his hand.

The victim ran away from Angel, and after consulting with nearby officers, the victim identified the defendant who was then arrested.

Miss Linsley read a victim statement to the court, which said: “Immediately after the robbery I struggled to sleep, I was so exhausted.

“I worried about what would have happened if I challenged him I fear for my safety after that night.”

The statement added that he “no longer uses cash machines...unless they are in buildings.”

The court heard that Angel had been convicted 28 times for 60 offences since he began offending aged 15.

Mike Mason, mitigating, told the court his client’s actions were “a cry for help” after he found himself living on the streets.

He said that although Angel did not threaten the victim with the knives, he had carried them during the incident, which was a result of needing protection while being homeless.

He said: “Life was hopeless for him. The crying for help can be one way to explain why he did this.”

Judge Nicholas Rowland sentenced Angel, of Selby Place, Southampton, to 21-months imprisonment.