A masked robber who terrified two women working at a Medway betting shop has been jailed for nine years.

David Penn, 33, of Frindsbury Road, Strood, admitted robbery and possessing an imitation firearm, a ball bearing pistol.

Duty manager Michelle Worswick and Diane Ladd were having a cigarette break outside the door of Corals in Gun Road, Strood, in the early evening of September 29 last year, when Penn and another raider burst past them.

Jo Cope, prosecuting, said at first Ms Worswick thought it was regular punters playing a joke, but they soon realised it was for real.

Penn grabbed hold of Ms Worswick in the empty shop and held the gun to her head.

Mrs Cope told Maidstone Crown Court: "She was extremely scared and saying over and over again: ‘I have got a baby’.

"The defendant shouted: ‘Don’t touch anything, don’t ring anyone, don’t push the panic alarm’ and threatened to blow her head off."

As the other man took Ms Ladd, who had been the victim of a previous robbery at the bookies, behind the counter she told him: "Don’t hurt her. I am just trying to get you the money."

The prosecutor said: "She heard the gun click twice while it was held to her head and she thought she was going to die."

The raiders asked about the safe, but were told it could not be opened. They fled with £370, warning the victims not to call the police.

Police found various items, including a black pistol loaded with pellets, a jacket, a hat, tape and goggles in a nearby alleyway.

A DNA match was made with Penn and he was arrested at his home. The other robber has not been found.

Judge Jeremy Gold QC told Penn, who has 14 previous convictions, including one for robbing a Gillingham newsagent: "These two women were terrified by the actions of you and your accomplice.

"I have read their victim statements and you should hang your head in shame."

Tom Allen, defending, said Penn had mental health issues, having had problems with drugs and alcohol.