A convict who robbed two Sittingbourne newsagents with a screwdriver while on the run from prison is back behind bars.

Shaun O'Shea, 32, failed to return to Standford Hill open prison on the Isle of Sheppey after being let out to work in the community in May.

Three months later, on Monday, August 8, he raided a shop armed with a screwdriver in Chaucer Road.

He threatened a lone member of staff,placed his backpack on the counter and ordered her to fill it with money from the till. He then fled with around £200.

Two days later, O'Shea attempted to rob a newsagent in London Road, Sittingbourne, but fled empty-handed when the cashier tried to grab the screwdriver from him.

He was arrested on Friday, August 12 after being identified from CCTV footage of the raid in Chaucer Road.

O'Shea, of Mountview, Borden, later pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery and escaping from lawful custody.

He has now been sentenced to three years and seven months at Maidstone Crown Court.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Kara Sweetland said: "Shaun O'Shea betrayed the trust that was placed in him when he failed to return to prison, and made things much worse for himself by committing these two serious offences while wanted for arrest.

"He was given the opportunity to get his life back on track but instead took the easy option and returned to the type of unlawful behaviour that landed him behind bars in the first place.

"Hardworking members of public deserve better than to have offenders like O’Shea terrorising them in their place of employment and I welcome the custodial sentence the courts have seen fit to impose."