A “callous and dangerous” man who attacked a shop employee with a knife with such force it bent has been jailed.

Alfie Leach, 31, of Coppies Grove Friern Barnet, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and was sentenced to three years imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday.

Leach entered the shop on Bowes Road at around 7am on July 22.

The shop keeper turned his back to retrieve some cigarettes for another customer, and as he did, Leach walked behind the counter and drew out a kitchen knife.

He demanded the shop keeper open the till and give him the money - He then attacked the man with the knife, causing him minor injuries.

However, Leach was successfully tackled to the ground by the worker, who managed to both disarm him and call police.

Police arrived and arrested Leach at the scene.