A knife-wielding robber has been jailed after staff recognised him as a regular customer.

Armed with a blade and wearing a mask, Danny Martin leapt onto the counter in the Co-op in Twydall, demanding money during a raid last year.

The cashier handed over approximately £1,000 and cigarettes then Martin fled from the Twydall Green store following the robbery on November 9, 2018.

But staff recognised his voice and build as he often shopped at the store. Crime Scene Investigators took a copy of a footwear mark he had left on the counter.

The following week on November 13, Martin entered the Co-op, in Delce Road, Rochester, carrying a large knife.

As he jumped onto the counter a member of the public pulled him back causing his jacket to tear.

His baseball cap fell off, he dropped a plastic bag and ran from the store empty handed. Police found his fingerprints on the bag after it was forensically examined.

Martin, formerly of Goudhurst Road, Twydall, was arrested and officers seized a torn jacket, identical to the one damaged during the second robbery.

They also discovered trainers which matched the footprints at the first incident.

The 34-year-old pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court in September and was today sentenced to eight years in prison.

Investigating officer Det Con Daniel Bister said: "These were violent robberies at businesses that serve the local community and Martin showed a complete disregard for the staff present.

"He miscalculated when targeting premises he regularly visited and this in part led to his downfall.

"I would like to commend the member of the public who bravely intervened in the last robbery and also all the witnesses who have helped us to bring this man to justice."

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