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.”