A robber who raided a betting office, threatening that he was armed with a gun, has been jailed for six years.

Darren Sheller went into Jenningsbet in Week Street, Maidstone, on January 11 with his hood pulled over his face and stole £455.

The 39-year-old told cashier Emma Lewis that he had a gun, before making off with the cash he placed in a bag.

Sheller, of Shaftesbury Avenue, Folkestone, admitted robbery when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court by TV link with Elmley Prison, Sheppey, on February 11.

Judge Martin Huseyin passed the sentence when Sheller appeared for sentence on Thursday.

Sheller went into betting shop at about 10.55am, concealing his face with a hooded top, scarf and sunglasses.

He went to the counter and told Ms Lewis: “I have got a gun, put the money in the bag.”

He kept a hand in his pocket, to give the appearance he was holding a weapon. He was arrested within an hour at an address in Tonbridge Road. Some of the stolen money was recovered.

PC Nicola Emery said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the member of staff working in this betting shop, who had no idea whether or not Sheller was actually carrying a gun.

“Thanks to the quick thinking of police officers at the scene, we were able to track the offender down quickly and ultimately ensure justice has swiftly been served.

“Sheller is a prolific offender, but one who now faces significant time behind bars.”