A knife-wielding would-be robber has been jailed after threatening a shop worker.

On October 23 last year, Michael Briggs went into the store in Wrotham High Street and bought some crisps before returning a few minutes later with a knife.

The 35-year-old threatened a shop assistant with the weapon and demanded money from the till.

The victim refused and when another customer came in he left.

Police were called and when they found him they told him to put down the weapon.

When Briggs refused and put his hand in a pocket where the knife was suspected to be, further warnings were given before an officer discharged a taser.

Briggs, of Battlefields, Wrotham, was arrested and a craft knife was seized.

He was later charged with attempted robbery and possession of a knife in a public place.

“This criminal armed himself with a weapon with the sole purpose of robbing a local shop...”

He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to two years and six months' imprisonment yesterday (January 31). He will also be subject to a 10-year restraining order upon his release.

Detective Constable Megan Collins, of the Kent Crime Squad, said: “This criminal armed himself with a weapon with the sole purpose of robbing a local shop.

“He threatened a woman who bravely stood up to his demands and was ultimately taken into custody.

“Had Briggs succeeded, this small business would have suffered a significant loss.

“These crimes can have an impact on their ability to continue trading and he should be ashamed of his actions.

“I would like to thank the victim and witnesses who have assisted us to bring him to justice and ensure Wrotham remains a safe place to live and work.”