Woman chased masked gunman

A shopkeeper chased a masked gunman out of her Staffordshire store with a mop and pursued him until he fired in her direction, a court heard.

Grandmother Mrs Murti Mall forced the would-be robber to flee empty handed from her Pop-In Pantry in Penkridge.

Security camera footage from inside the shop showed Mrs Mall grabbing the gunman's arm with the pistol pointing at her and then attempting to rip off his mask.

The gunman fled down an aisle and ran towards the door with Mrs Mall chasing him with the mop.

On his way out, the gunman dropped a bag he was carrying to steal money, Stafford Crown Court heard.

Mr Nick Burn, prosecuting, alleged a forensic examination of the bag contained DNA material linked to Benjamin Chambers, aged 20, of Old Coach Road, Bishops Wood, near Brewood.

He denies charges of attempted robbery and possessing an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery.

Mrs Mall told the jury that she was with her 30-month old grandson in her shop on August 27, 2010 when she heard someone come in through the door.

The trial continues.