A MASKED would-be robber armed with a knife cut a member of staff as he targeted a newsagent shop, a court heard.

Workers at the Sproat’s store in Ennerdale Road, Cleator Moor, bravely resisted the armed crook but one was hurt in a struggle that ensued.

Nathanial Rudd, 27, is on trial at Carlisle Crown Court accused of attempting to rob Judith and Tracey Sproat and threatening them with a kitchen knife on Tuesday February 9.

Rudd, of Robert Owen Place, Cleator Moor, denies both charges.

The court heard he told police that it was his brother, Joshua, who had carried out the crime.

Barrister Brendan Burke outlined the prosecution’s case on day one of the trial.

He told the jury: “A would-be robber came into the newsagent’s very early in the morning, before they had started serving.

“He threatened the two females in the shop with a knife, demanding money.

“They were brave enough to resist him. There was a struggle in which one of them got a slight cut.

“The prosecution case is this defendant tries to rob the shop, fails and runs off.”

Rudd was interviewed by police, the court heard.

“He alleges that his brother tells him that he did the whole thing,” said Mr Burke.

“The prosecution say that is a lie.”

The trial continues.