A robber who threatened a shop worker with a knife before stealing food and drink has been jailed for more than four years.

Kye Hooper used the weapon at a store in Sturdee Avenue, Gillingham, at 10.44pm on Tuesday, February 15.

The 35-year-old had taken numerous items, including alcohol, bread and pasta, to a till to be scanned.

As the shop worker was scanning the items Hooper produced a knife and held it to their face.

He then took the items and continued to gesture towards other employees with the weapon as he left.

Police were called and Hooper was identified following a review of CCTV footage.

He was arrested the next day on suspicion of robbery and possession of a bladed article in a public place and was later charged with the offences.

Hooper, of Third Avenue, Gillingham, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, March 17, where he admitted the offences and was jailed for four years and one month.

Investigating officer PC Ben Slocombe, of the Chief’s Constable’s Crime Squad said: "Hooper was motivated by his own greed and used a weapon in a public place to inflict fear towards the victim, not caring about the long-lasting impact his actions could cause.

"Following the incident he was quickly identified by another officer and arrested the following day."