AN OFF-LICENCE worker who was threatened by an alleged armed robber has quit her job.

Helen Jebson said she was no longer prepared to put her safety - and her son's future - at risk by working at the Wine Cellar store in Hull Road following the alleged attack last Monday evening.

The 28-year-old mum said she was still recovering after being confronted by a man wearing a blue boiler suit and carrying a knife.

Ms Jebson, of Hull Road, York said her experience, which was "absolutely terrifying", had left her "shaking" at the thought of what could have happened.

She has now resigned from Wine Cellar, alleging the company's security measures were "a joke". Wine Cellar has refuted her claim.

She said: "I've got a little boy, Charlie, who needs his mum. The security there is absolutely disgusting. There are supposed to be two people working in the evening, but 50 per cent of the time I have been on my own.

"There was a burglary about five weeks ago and the front door has still not been replaced. The inside door I was standing behind when this person came in is split in two.

"If it had been fixed I might have had the change to close it and get away. They are not prepared and it is just easy pickings."

The Evening Press reported, on Saturday, how security measures at the off-licence were to be reviewed following the attack.

Winer Cellar bosses have pledged to add shutters to the premises to help prevent future break-ins at the store.

The company said the safety and security of its workers was a paramount concern and that it was "very distressed" by the incident.

A Wine Cellar spokesman said: "Our regional manager attended the store on Tuesday, meeting with staff to check on their welfare after the incident.

"Helen Jebson was granted leave and given the regional manager's mobile number if he could be of any help.

"On Friday, Helen contacted the store to say that she didn't want to come back to work. We understand her decision but refute any suggestion that the store is not secure. Helen did receive training on how to deal with such incidents when she joined the company a year ago."

Two men have appeared before York Magistrates charged with robbery.

Clinton William Baldwin, 29, and Steven George Briggs, 33, both of North Shields, have been accused of raiding the Wine Cellar, on April 18.

They have also been charged in connection with eight other incidents in Tyneside and Teesside.

They were remanded in custody and will appear at York Crown Court next Tuesday.

Updated: 10:49 Tuesday, April 26, 2005