A man who threatened petrol station staff with a hammer during a terrifying robbery has been jailed for four and a half years.

On the evening of June 23, two men entered the Chestfield Shell garage on the A299 Thanet Way near Whitstable, and made their way behind the shop counter.

One of the robbers, Toby Shilling, went into the shop’s office to try to steal from the safe but came away empty-handed when staff didn’t know the code.

After his first unsuccessful attempt to steal he slapped a female shop assistant and demanded money from the till, giving staff a bag to fill while threatening them with a hammer.

During the raid, 27-year-old Shilling also stole a handbag containing cash and bank cards.

The two men ran from the shop, carrying the handbag, some takings from the till and hundreds of pounds worth of cigarettes.

Shortly after, the shop assistant’s stolen bank cards were used to try and withdraw cash from an ATM, and to gamble on an online gaming site. Fortunately both attempts to use the cards were scuppered by the bank.

Following a police investigation, Shilling, of Arolla Road in Herne Bay, was arrested on June 29 and charged for his part in the robbery.

Police are still trying to establish the identity of the second man involved.

At Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, Shilling was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after admitting robbery and possessing an offensive weapon.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Steve East said: "Not surprisingly, this was a frightening ordeal for the shop staff and Shilling showed a ruthless aggression in his determination to steal by resorting to threats of violence with weapons.

"I hope the victims feel reassured that Shilling is now in prison and I thank them for their support in the investigation."