A DRUG addict who tried to rob his elderly gran at knifepoint has been jailed for three years.

And a top judge imposed an indefinite restraining order keeping Jonathan Dyer away from his 80-year-old victim.

Liverpool Crown Court heard on Friday that 25-year-old Dyer has twice stolen from his gran Patricia Dyer, including pocketing £8,000 which landed him a 15 month jail term and has twice assaulted his mum.

Michael Stephenson, prosecuting, said that Dyer was staying with his gran in Arley Drive, Widnes after being released from prison.

He went out clubbing but after being thrown out by bouncers he returned home drunk about 3.15am and Mrs Dyer remonstrated with him.

He went into the kitchen and picked up a steak knife and came back to her threatening her saying: “I need money, I want money”.

Bravely she told him to put the knife down and rang the police and Dyer stayed there until officers arrived, said Mr Stephenson.

Jailing Dyer, who appeared for sentence via video link from prison, Judge Clement Goldstone, QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, said: “You repaid your grandmother’s kindness by trying to rob her at knife point after being thrown out of a nightclub and wanted money to fuel your desire for alcohol.

“You had lost the plot completely. Because your grandmother had the guts to tell you to put away the knife you did. She called the police and you remained.

“Those factors are to your credit but your initial conduct was utterly deplorable and disgraceful.”

He told bearded Dyer, who pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, that the use of a knife was an escalation in his offending behaviour.

“You need to realise that your grandmother and mother are entitled to be treated with respect and not be subjected to outbursts of threatening and dishonest behaviour.

“Your grandmother is to be commended for her courage. You are to be deplored for your cowardice.”

Steven McNally, defending, had told the court that Dyer’s behaviour related to his drink and drug addictions.

He said: “The offence involved unusual circumstances and he had expressed remorse.”

The judge said that if Mrs Dyer wished to get the restraining order lifted in the future she could apply to have it amended.