Two thieves who carried out a knife-point robbery in Ashford have been jailed for a combined total of 14 years.

Darryl Stubbs, 36, and Reuben Garland, 24, both of no fixed address, were sentenced earlier today at Canterbury Crown Court.

At around 10.20pm on Wednesday, April 19 two members of staff were working in a convenience store in Beaver Lane, Ashford when two masked men entered the shop and threatened them with knives.

The criminal pair took the takings from the till before running away.

A review of CCTV showed that Garland had been in the shop earlier, stealing two crates of lager. He was seen unmasked, but wearing the same clothes as one of the suspects in the knife-point robbery.

Garland was arrested by police the following day after they found him hiding in a cupboard in a house in Ashford.

During a search of the property officers found a homemade balaclava made from the sleeve of a top, along with another unfinished face mask, and a shop receipt for some new sportswear which had led them straight to Stubbs.

After robbing the store, Stubbs had taken some of the money and bought himself a new tracksuit and trainers for £170, which he was wearing when police found and arrested him.

At court Garland admitted a charge of shoplifting, one count of robbery, and one count of possessing a knife in a public place. He was sentenced to a total of five years and four months.

Stubbs denied a charge of robbery and possession of a knife but following a trial was found guilty of both charges. He was sentenced to a total of nine years.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Darren Brough, said: "To be threatened by knife-wielding masked men was obviously frightening for the two staff. Fortunately the victims were not injured and I hope they are recovering from their ordeal.

"There was good CCTV coverage so coupled with the experience and knowledge of local officers, we were able to quickly identify Stubbs and Garland and arrest them.

"They have now been brought to justice and will be unable to threaten or steal from anyone else."