A robber who terrified staff at a betting shop while armed with an imitation gun is facing a "substantial" jail sentence.

A judge gave the warning after Ricky Loft admitted robbing William Hill in Whitstable on November 21 last year - stealing £647 - and possessing an imitation firearm.

The 32-year-old, of Cumbria Court, Greenhithe Boulevard, Greenhithe, entered the pleas over a TV link between Elmley Prison, Sheppey, and Maidstone Crown Court today.

Dominic Connolly, prosecuting, said in view of the admissions a trial would not be sought on theft and assault allegations at a B&Q store.

He was also facing other charges of theft, criminal damage, fraud and making off without payment.

Dartford-born Loft was in the run-up to the offences suffering a mental health crisis, said his lawyer Danny Moore.

"He made a telephone call to the police indicating he was going to harm himself or harm someone else, or do something serious," he told Judge Philip Statman.

"These are serious offences. They will attract the dangerous provisions."

Adjourning sentence for a psychiatric report until March 21, the judge told Loft: "I am sure you appreciate for offences of this kind you are facing a long sentence. The only issue will be how long the sentence will be."