A violent robber who attacked a shopkeeper with a cricket bat has been jailed for four years.

Dedawan Kakel and three others travelled from the West Midlands to raid a shop in Kent.

On March 8 last year at around 7.30pm, Kakel and his group approach a business in Darnley Road, Strood, where a staff member was working alone.

They entered and struck him on the head, causing him to fall to the floor where he was further assaulted.

One of the attackers had a knife and, as the victim protected himself, he suffered a cut to his hand.

The robbers, who had their BMW parked in nearby Dart Close, left the scene with cash from the till.

Kakel, of Princes Road, Middlesbrough, Teeside, was arrested on July 21 after officers identified him and his vehicle on CCTV.

The gang had stopped at a petrol station near Blue Bell Hill and images showed Kakel in the passenger seat.

The 25-year-old was later charged with robbery and was found guilty at Maidstone Crown Court.

Today, Kakel was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer PC Emma Laimbeer said: "This group of violent criminals travelled a long way to target a lone Kent shop worker and their cowardly attack caused serious injuries to the victim.

"The complex inquiries in the West Midlands and Teeside identified Kakel and his arrest should have sent a clear message to his accomplices that, in Kent, we are relentless in our efforts to bring violent criminals to justice."