An armed robber was jailed for four years today after he was tackled by his victim who feared the intruder was armed with a gun.
Police arrived at the scene to find David Gormanley being restrained - after he failed in his bid to stage a raid on a takeaway restaurant in Ayr.
A judge told Gormanley, 58, at the High Court in Edinburgh: "This incident must have been terrifying for your victims."
Lord Fairley said: "This case is in the High Court in recognition of the seriousness of this type of offence and of the particular vulnerability of shopkeepers to those who use violence or threats of violence against them for financial gain."
The judge told Gormanley, who he said had an "unenviable" criminal record, that he would have faced a six year prison term if he was convicted after a trial, but the sentence would be reduced following his guilty pleas.
Gormanley, from Cumnock, admitted assaulting Ali Cobanoglu on February 15 this year at the Lucky Star Takeaway in George Street, Ayr, by brandishing an imitation firearm towards him and demanding money with intent to rob him.
He also admitted possession of the weapon with intent to cause Ali and Havva Cobanoglu to believe that unlawful violence would be used against them.
Advocate depute Alex Price-Marmion said the couple were working at the premises preparing to open the shop when Gormanley walked in alone and laid down a bag and said: "I am not joking. Put money in the bag."
The prosecutor said he produced "what was described as a black handgun" and pointed it at Ali Cobanoglu.
She said: "He then continued to walk towards him, pointing the gun towards his head."
But Mr Cobanoglu saw a chance to grab the gun and restrain his attacker while his wife ran out of the shop and shouted for help.
A neighbouring shopkeeper looked out and saw the struggle as the victim attempted to keep the robber on the ground and went to help him.
Police officers arrived to find unemployed Gormanley being restrained and the imitation gun was found to be pieces of tubing held together with electrical tape.
Mrs Cobanoglu was seen to be visibly upset and distressed as police spoke to her and her husband said he was concerned for his wife's safety.
Defence counsel Lorenzo Alonzi said Gormanley has not worked for about 20 years as a result of a series of medical conditions.
He said: "He had recently just come out of hospital. He was at a particularly low ebb. His depression and anxiety were getting the better of him."
Mr Alonzi said that at the time of the robbery bid Gormanley was under the influence of drink and cocaine.
He added: "As he puts it he does not know what came over him."
The defence counsel said that Gormanley had expressed remorse in the wake of the offence.
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