Bungling robbers thought they had got away with the perfect hold-up after terrifying staff at a Cranbrook food business.

As one of the gang stayed outside as look-out, two others –wearing masks – burst in brandishing claw hammers demanding money.

Sammy Kingwell, Anthony Allen, and Ricky White, then left Hartley Farmhouse where a Mercedes A class getaway car was waiting.

VIDEO: CCTV of the robbers

But a judge heard among the items they escaped with during the frightening attack was an iPhone.

And officers used its tracking device to lead colleagues straight back to the gang.

Now the three have all received long jail sentences after admitting robbery and fraud.

Kingwell, 31, of Adams Drive, Willesborough was given sentences totalling 10 and a half years ; Allen, 37, of Badlesmere Close, Ashford, seven years; and Ricky White, 29, of Downsway, Charing six years.

Police seized CCTV footage after the raid showing three figures at Hartley Farmhouse immediately before and after the robbery.

Prosecutor Peter Forbes told how the gang then drove to Sir Henry Brackenbury Road before going on to Kingwell’s house – not realising a police helicopter was following them.

“Kingwell and Allen went first into the house, followed quickly by Ricky White and then the police car arrived.

“Realising the police were on to them, they attempted to dispose of the money and two of the men tried to hide in the garden shed - including White who was topless as he attempted to disassociate himself from any distinctive clothing, “ he added.

Mr Forbes told Canterbury Crown Court how on April 14, James Lyons and his daughter Kelly Krzykowska were at Cranbrook Fishmongers located on a small industrial estate on the outskirts of the village.

“The two of them were on the site, preparing fish ready for delivery to restaurants in London. The lights were on in the glass fronted shop. It was pitch black outside.

“Suddenly, at shortly before 3am, a lump of concrete smashed through the front door and a man wearing a balaclava and wielding a claw hammer came in, bundling James Lyons to the ground.

“Mr Lyons was told to stay down as one of the robbers demanded: “Where’s the money?. Give me the money.”

“Mr Lyons was petrified and concerned for the safety of himself and his daughter and told her to comply and she handed over an envelope from a carrier bag which contained about £1,000 in cash."

The court heard how the robber looked at the money and snarled: “ Where’s the rest of it? You are having a f****** laugh aren’t you? Where’s the safe? There must be more than this.”

Mr Lyons said there was no safe and then his phone was smashed with the gang telling him not to call the police.

But the prosecutor said the robbers made the mistake of taking Ms Krzkowska’s iphone – which had a tracking device.

The court heard her bank card was also taken and used to withdraw £250 in cash and the three had earlier burgled a house in Benenden taking a handbag, cards, camera, radio and cash.

White was jailed for a year for the burglary and the judge passed a consecutive nine and a half year extended sentence for the robbery and fraud, which he had admitted.

Allen, who pleaded guilty to burglary, robbery and fraud, was jailed for a total of seven years and Kingwell was given a six year sentence after admitting similar offences, possessing cannabis and also two other burglaries in Ashford.