A MAN has been jailed for 12 months for his part in a failed robbery in which a York shopkeeper was attacked with an axe.

Christopher Alan Dyer, 21, acted as a lookout when Paul Michael Wilson, 22, attacked Gillygate newsagent Kenneth Lockwood, York Crown Court heard.

Wilson, no fixed address, was jailed for seven years last December.

When Dyer, also of no fixed address, appeared before the Honorary Recorder of York, Judge Paul Hoffman, in February for attempted robbery he was given a two-year community rehabilitation order.

But probation officers sent him back to court because he failed to attend their appointments or live as directed under the order.

"I took the view you played second fiddle to him (Wilson) and did not know a weapon was going to be produced," Judge Hoffman said, when Dyer, who has learning difficulties, appeared before him for re-sentencing.

"I rather took pity on you in your situation and treated you exceptionally, but I am afraid you have not responded appropriately.

Describing Dyer as a "somewhat vulnerable individual", he revoked the order and jailed him for 12 months.

Dyer admitted breaching the order. He had earlier admitted attempted robbery.

For Dyer, Anthony Moore said his client realised the seriousness of what he had done.

Updated: 10:44 Tuesday, June 24, 2003