A topless thug who threatened a supermarket worker with a brick before fleeing with stolen cash has been jailed.

Rhys McGown entered a shop in Lonsdale Drive, Rainham on June 24 last year with his face concealed with a t-shirt.

Despite leaving the premises, the 29-year-old returned ten minutes later holding a brick before following an employee behind the counter.

McGown, of Napier Road, Gillingham, then demanded cash from the till and the victim, who feared for his safety, handed him £200.

The robber then ran from the store and the police were alerted to the incident.

Officers later examined CCTV at the store and an appeal was issued which included an image of the suspect.

However, McGown attended Medway Police Station and handed himself in on July 1.

He was later charged with robbery which he plead guilty to.

McGown was sentenced to one year and four months' imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday (February 22).

DC Emma Laimbeer, of the Kent Crime Squad, said: "This criminal put his victim, who feared he would be injured by his assailant, through a terrible ordeal.

"Those who target small local shops strike at the heart of communities that depend on these outlets for their groceries and other items.

"Losses through crime can affect the ability of owners to continue trading and McGown should be ashamed of his conduct."