A robber targeted two shops in two days, assaulting two different members of staff, threatening one with a knife and trashing a glass screen.

Michael Thormann, 31, of Wright Close, Swanscombe, has now been jailed for more than five years after he admitted a string of offences - robbery, attempted robbery, actual bodily harm, theft, criminal damage and threatening a person with a knife.

CCTV of the raid on a Dartford shop. Footage: Kent Police

Thormann’s first offence took place at a shop in Hillhouse Road, Stone, on December 5.

CCTV captured him hiding four cans of cider in his coat, before walking to a fridge and placing a can of cola in his pocket.

When challenged by a member of staff, he said he would return the items and then attempted to pay for an energy drink at the till.

But the transaction was declined by the bank at which point, he punched a screen in front of the cashier.

He then walked behind the till and attacked the victim before being escorted away by some members of the public. He left with the items he had originally hidden, along with an additional packet of cigarettes.

He was back at it the following evening, when he spent several minutes inside a service station in London Road, Greenhithe, before leaving without paying for any items.

Suspecting Thormann had stolen something, a member of staff followed him outside.

Thormann then pushed the employee to the floor, threatened them with a knife and demanded they hand over their phone. They refused.

A member of the public intervened and was also threatened before Thormann ran away.

"I have little doubt that Thormann would have continued to offend had he not been brought into custody when he was and his imprisonment is entirely justified."

He was arrested the following evening, charged and has been in custody ever since.

PC Ben Slocombe, Kent Police’s investigating officer for the case, said: "Thormann’s actions caused considerable distress to innocent victims and such behaviour cannot go unchallenged.

"I am pleased we have secured justice for them and am grateful for their assistance in this investigation.

"I have little doubt that Thormann would have continued to offend had he not been brought into custody when he was and his imprisonment is entirely justified."

Thormann was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday to five years and three months’ imprisonment.

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