Andrew Tweedy was caged for six years after the frightening gang raid in which an imitation gun and machete were brandished.

His jailing will be a new blow to Cheryl.

The 27-year-old appeared dejected this week as the saga over whether she'll land a job on the US X Factor dragged on.

Tweedy, 30, was involved in planning the robbery last May near his home in Longbenton, North Tyneside, which netted the robbers £2,000.

He allowed the robbers to borrow his imitation handgun, let them set off from his flat and return there after the hold up, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Gavin Doig, prosecuting, said: "He provided the gun to the robbers and his home was both the meeting point before the robbery and the hide out after it."