A jewellery thief who posed as a customer in an attempt to steal a gold bracelet worth £1,225 has been jailed.

Samuel Neculai, of Cobham Street, Gravesend, went into a shop in Rochester High Street at around 11am on February 22.

The 21-year-old had asked to look at the bracelet which was displayed behind a glass window and an employee gave it to Samuel to inspect.

Moments later, he attempted to flee but his getaway was promptly stopped after one shop worker blocked his exit, and another locked the door.

The two employees succeeded in taking the bracelet from the thief, who had pulled off the door handle as he tried to escape.

Fearing their safety, the women allowed Samuel to leave the shop.

During the police investigation, a forensic examination of the shop door recovered the offender’s fingerprints and on March 15, he was arrested.

On the day of his arrest, Samuel was charged with attempted robbery and criminal damage.

On Monday (May 20_ he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year and nine months’ in prison, as well as being ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

Investigating officer PC Elli Langford said: “Neculai targeted a high-value item of jewellery but was foiled by the quick-thinking actions of those working at the business.

“Not only did he leave the shop empty-handed but he incriminated himself by leaving his fingerprints behind.

“This was a shocking incident for the employees who feared they would be harmed during the incident.

“I hope that today’s sentence offers them some reassurance and acts as a deterrent to other would-be criminals.”