A JUDGE has praised "the extraordinary bravery" of police in dealing with an armed raid in which a robber was shot dead.

Judge Philip Statman spoke out after a former special constable was convicted of involvement in the robbery of a building society.

He told the jury at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday: "One man has lost his life and very brave police officers in this case were put at tremendous risk.

"I will wish to say something about the extraordinary bravery of officers who carry firearms and are called upon to protect the public in these circumstances.

"We are most fortunate to be protected by police officers of this high calibre."

The judge said he would make further comments when David Jenkins, 61, is sentenced on November 2, along with others including his son Dean.

The court heard of the final moments in the life of armed robber Robert Haines, 41, who was shot after firing a sawn-off shotgun at Metropolitan Police marksmen.

Haines, from Challock, near Canterbury, had put his gun to the head of a security guard and was making off with £105,000 from the Nationwide Building Society in New Romney, near Hythe, on October 31 last year when an officer codenamed Echo 19 retalitated.

After shouting a warning, he shot twice at the married father-of-two. When it seemed to have no effect, he shot again and Haines slumped to the ground. He died shortly afterwards.

David Jenkins, a former Securicor driver, of Pantheon Gardens, Kingsnorth, Ashford, denied robbery and possessing a firearm. He was cleared of the gun offence.

He had driven off in his son's Jaguar car and police shot out the tyres. His shoulder was dislocated when he was arrested.

Dean Jenkins, 40, the getaway driver, was arrested by a stolen Mercedes. Lookout, Ben Grehan, 22, was arrested at the wheel of a BMW.

Dean Jenkins, of Wilks Close, Rainham, and Grehan, of Upper Norwood, have pleaded guilty to being involved in the robbery and admitted other armed raids.