A drug addict who carried out terrifying raids on three stores while masked and armed with a claw hammer has been jailed for six years.

In one of the robberies at a Co-op in Whitstable, Charlie Elliott struck a staff member with the weapon as he made his escape.

The 35-year-old also carried out similar raids at a One Stop and a Spa store in Chatham.

A judge told Elliott, of no fixed address, on Friday when he appeared by TV link with Elmley Prison: "People who work on their own in small shops are truly vulnerable if someone comes in and tries to rob them.

"When disguised with a balaclava and having a claw hammer with them it is absolutely terrifying."

Elliott admitted three offences of robbery and two of having an offensive weapon.

Maidstone Crown Court heard he went into the One Stop shop in Watling Street, Chatham, just before 9pm on April 15 this year wearing a balaclava and gloves and carrying the hammer.

He jumped over the counter and used the hammer to prise open the till. Shop assistant Caroline Price kept her distance as £300 was snatched.

Nine days later, he carried out an identical raid on a Spa shop in Churchill Avenue in the town. Again he forced open the till and grabbed £480.

The next day, April 25, Elliott went to the Co-op in Canterbury Road, Whitstable, but was tackled by staff Max Heenan and Jack Campling.

Prosecutor James Bloomer said Elliott struck Mr Heenan on the back with the hammer but did not injure him.

Ms Price said in a victim impact statement she now felt more fearful when working and always had to have a panic alarm with her.

Tom Davidson, defending, said the robberies were out of character as Elliott did not consider himself to be a violent man.

"I can understand a man running around with his face covered and a claw hammer is going to frighten," he said.

Mr Davidson said Elliott had a "controlled" drug habit involving mainly heroin, but it went out of control when his girlfriend was forced to sell her house after she was defrauded and she blamed him. She was pregnant and the child was taken into care.

"He started using drugs heavily and he was drinking heavily," he added. "He just lost the plot. He has got a lamentable record."

Judge Martin Huseyin he accepted Elliott had "quite dramatic personal problems". He added he would put the offences in the unprofessional category with aggravating features.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Kerry Whiting said: "Elliot has shown he is a dangerous man who will put lives at risk without a second thought.

"This was a very frightening ordeal for his victims and we are extremely grateful to the two men who put themselves in danger to restrain him.

"Thankfully his actions did not result in serious injuries, however these violent crimes can have a lasting impact on victims and no one should suffer at the hands of thieves like Elliot.

"He will now serve time in prison where he can no longer pose a threat to the public."