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A man who threatened staff at a pharmacy in Bristol with a knife before making off with prescription medicine has been jailed for six years and nine months.

Daniel Bennett, 41, of Wedmore Vale, Bedminster, entered a pharmacy in Winterbourne on August 8 last year armed with a knife and forced staff to the back of the store where he threatened to harm them unless they gave him medication.

He was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court, where he was also given an extended three-year licence period, having pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article.

Natasha O’Driscoll, 34, of Old Gloucester Road, Winterbourne, was handed a 12-month community order and fined after pleading guilty to assisting an offender and neglect of a child under 16.

She drove the car that Bennett fled the scene in. Avon and Somerset Police said a child who was also in the car was seen leaning out the passenger window.

When officers stopped O’Driscoll, they found a large amount of prescription drugs in her car although Bennett was not with her. He was found in a pub car park nearby in possession of a knife and prescription drugs.

“Thankfully, none of the staff were physically harmed in the incident but were understandably shaken by what happened,” the force said.

DC Craig Bennett from Avon and Somerset Police said: “Bennett’s actions that day were reckless and dangerous. He appeared to give no thought for how his behaviour would harm those around him, he was focused on stealing those prescription drugs for his own benefit.

“The victims have been left feeling vulnerable and fearful following the incident and I have to commend them for the strength they have shown in supporting our investigation.

“O’Driscoll acted as the getaway driver for Bennett’s scheme, but she not only endangered her own life, but also that of a child’s.”