A drunk robber has been jailed for a failed bid to hold up the Sheerness branch of Nationwide.

Charlie Enright, formerly of the town's Alexandra Road, has been locked up for 16 months.

The 28-year-old told a cashier he had a gun and wanted money when he entered the bank at about 4pm on June 29.

He left empty-handed but was later arrested and charged after being identified as a regular customer of the bank.

Enright pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday.

The court heard how he had entered the bank once already that day and withdrew a small amount of money from his account.

When he returned, he told the cashier he wanted money and had a gun, although no weapon was shown.

The cashier then raised the security screens after consulting with a colleague and Enright walked out.

He returned to the bank shortly afterwards when he was challenged by the manager and told the police had been called.

He then left the branch for a final time before officers arrived.

Arrested the next day, he made reference to having a water pistol but no firearms were found or seen during the incident.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Charlene Smith said: "Charlie Enright has a problem with drink and drugs but that is no excuse for committing such a serious crime.

"Staff at the bank acted in a very calm and professional manner throughout the incident but it would have been understandable for them to have been deeply distressed given that he made mention of having a gun.

"Enright will now spend 16 months in prison for doing something foolish while under the influence, and I hope he is able to turn his life around while serving his sentence."