Two men who staged a robbery in a bid to steal thousands of pounds from a shop have been jailed.

John Summers conspired with pal Jonathan Shaw to take more than £9,000 from Costcutter in Minster Road, Minster, on Sheppey, on June 26, 2017.

They later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal the takings.

At Maidstone Crown Court yesterday, Judge Adele Williams told the pair: "This was a deliberate, calculated and mean offence."

The court heard how 68-year-old Summers, of Harebell Close, Thistle Hill, Minster, was a "trusted" employee at the shop and had been tasked to take the takings to the bank that morning because the boss was receiving treatment for cancer.

But the cunning pair took advantage and, instead of depositing the money, co-conspirator, Shaw, 57, of The Broadway, Minster, met him on the way.

They then staged a robbery by stopping Summers’ car and tying his hands before Shaw left with the money.

But when police began investigating, they checked ANPR cameras and the plan began unravelling.

The court heard how Shaw had been released from prison after being convicted in 1990 for manslaughter and was short of money.

But the judge said that even while awaiting sentence, the devious Summers enjoyed a number of luxury holidays in Mauritius and Cuba.

Prosecutor Rio Pavlavanpour told how the boss at Costcutter, Richard Gaymer, felt betrayed by the theft and was forced to make staffing cuts as a result of the betrayal.

Judge Williams said Summers' motive was "pure greed" because he had money problems.

Both men were jailed for two years.

Commenting after the sentencing, DC Mark Silk said: "Summers and Shaw thought they could get away with stealing a substantial amount of money by staging a robbery.

"However, it quickly became apparent during our investigation that their stories were flawed.

"By attempting to steal money from the business, Summers betrayed the position of trust he had been put in by his employer and I am pleased we have been able to secure justice for them."

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