A thief and mother-of-six who tried to rob staff at a Burger King with a pair of secateurs has been locked up.

Chloe Charnley, walked into the fast food restaurant in High Street, Gillingham, at about 8pm on Sunday, November 17 and tapped the makeshift weapon on the counter so they opened.

When asked what she wanted by staff member Bruce Lamb she replied: "I would like money from your till."

He realised she was attempting to rob the venue and told colleagues to call the police.

As they did so Charnley, who was intoxicated at the time, fled the restaurant with a friend.

She was picked up by CCTV operators and police found her in the High Street, with the secateurs seized.

The 28-year-old, formerly of Rushdean Road in Strood, was charged with attempted robbery and possession of a bladed article, and was remanded in custody by magistrates.

She was later sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court after admitting both offences when she appeared via video link from HMP Bronzefield in Middlesex.

Amy Nicholson prosecuting said: "The employees were frightened by the incident."

Recorder Gelaga King was also told Charnley was no stranger to the courts.

She has 19 previous convictions for 26 offences, including shoplifting, obstructing police, and racially aggravated harassment.

Recorder King also heard a suspended sentence she had previously been given had been activated because of her offending.

Keith Middleton, defending, said his client suffered with mental health issues and substance difficulties.

"You are a person who has a history of committing dishonest offences and a person who was addicted to drugs and alcohol and your offending has been in order to fund your addictions..." - Recorder Gelaga King

He added: "She wanted money for alcohol, but can't recall the incident until she was shown CCTV at the police station.

"She was heroin dependant for three years and under the influence of alcohol at the time."

Recorder King jailed Charnley for 16 months for both offences.

He added: "You are a person who has a history of committing dishonest offences and a person who was addicted to drugs and alcohol and your offending has been in order to fund your additions.

"It was a serious offence but lacked vigour and planning in its execution."

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