A thief caught on CCTV robbing a shop in the Towns has been locked up has been jailed for more than three years.

Nicholas Noble, 37, of Elaine Avenue, Strood, was jailed for three years and 11 months at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday after admitting robbery.

The court heard he robbed the Co-Op store in Twydall Green, Gillingham, in January with another man.

The pair forced their way into a shop just after closing time at 10.25pm on Wednesday, January 17.

A staff member who tried to stop the men getting in was punched in the face several times before the pair made off with a unknown quantity of cash.

Following the incident Kent Police released CCTV as part of an appeal to identify the suspects and Noble was arrested in February.

The second suspect has not yet been identified.

Investigating officer DC Craig Hewitt said: "This is a substantial sentence for Noble and one that is truly deserved.

"He, along with another, not only violently assaulted an employee but also caused fear to another worker inside the shop.

"Noble was motivated by his desire to steal as much money as possible and he didn’t care how his actions affected others. I hope he uses his time in prison to reflect on his lifestyle.’