An addict who threatened a shop worker with a knife while high on cocaine told police "I've just done an armed robbery".

Stephen Lee stole alcohol and £245 in cash during a raid at Wine with Spirit, Coxheath in July.

Lee entered the Heath Road off licence at around 8pm and, after choosing cans of beer from the shelves, suddenly produced a knife and handed an empty carrier bag to the cashier.

The 33-year-old ordered her to fill it with money, as he waved the six inch blade back and forth between the till and the bag.

Lee then fled the scene and police were called.

Having reviewed CCTV and recognised Lee as being the culprit, officers found him standing outside his home in Gresham Road, just over an hour later.

He had changed his clothing, but quickly confessed he was responsible after being arrested. He told officers: "I’ve just done an armed robbery. I’m going to admit it."

During his police interview Lee admitted he intended to frighten the cashier in order to get her to comply with his demands.

He added he was addicted to cocaine and had been using the Class A drug prior to entering the store.

Lee pleaded guilty to robbery and possessing a knife in a public place and at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday was sentenced to three years in prison.

Det Con Wes Marston said: "Lee subjected the cashier to a terrifying ordeal. She was left fearing for her life after he brandished a large kitchen knife and forced her to empty the till.

"Thankfully, we were able to rapidly identify and arrest him, ensuing he could pose no further threat to people in the local community. The courts have now passed a significant sentence and I hope at the very least it will provide the victim with the reassurance that justice has been served."