A Dartford robber has been jailed for holding up two newsagents with a knife.
Dean Sheppard, 36, of St Edmund’s Road, first hit a business in Colney Road on September 4.
He entered the store at about 8.50pm with his hood up and a knife drawn before cornering a member of staff.
He demanded money from the till but fled empty-handed after the victim’s father ran into the street to call for help.
Four days later Sheppard attacked a newsagents in St Vincent’s Road at around 7.10am.
He threatened a staff member with a knife and then punched him in the face twice.
Sheppard made off with £100 cash and several packets of cigarettes.
Sheppard was arrested the following day (September 9) after he was identified from CCTV footage.
Officers seized a knife and stolen cigarettes.
Sheppard pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery and two counts of possession of a knife, and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday (October 10).
Investigating officer Detective Constable Lucy Macland said: “Dean Sheppard is clearly a violent individual whose criminal actions will leave a lasting impact on his victims.
“He is unfortunately well known to police and appears incapable of staying out of trouble.
“Robbery is a very serious offence, and committing such a crime while armed with a knife makes it that much worse.
“I can only hope that Sheppard attempts to turn his life around during his time in prison.”
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