A KNIFE-wielding robber from Thurrock who stole from two bookmakers and a friend he was staying with in Cambridgeshire has been jailed.

John Penhaligon, 49, travelled from his home in River View, Chadwell St Mary, to stay with a friend in Wisbech for five days from 8 September.

On 10 September he went to a branch of Betfred, in the town's High Street, armed with a knife. He demanded money from the till and warned staff not to press any panic alarms. A terrified employee handed him about £200 in cash and he calmly walked out of the shop.

The following day Penhaligon went to another branch of Betfred in the town with another man, this time in Horsefair. He produced a knife, waved it through the gap underneath a Covid-19 screen and demanded money from the till.

The employee showed him there was no money in the till, so he demanded she opened the second machine which contained a number of £5 notes.

Fearing for her safety the employee handed Penhaligon about £85 in cash. As she did so she asked him why he was robbing the shop, to which he replied "because I am skint mate."

On the morning of 13 September Penhaligon left his friend's home and returned to his home in River View. However, before he left he stole his host's Samsung Galaxy mobile phone, £230 in cash and a pair of blue Adidas trainers.

When the victim realised what had happened he contacted police about the theft and raised suspicions about Penhaligon's activity while he was staying in Wisbech.

Penhaligon was arrested and in interview denied committing the robberies. He also denied stealing from the friend and said he had not seen him "for years."

However, he later went on to admit two counts of robbery, two of possession of a knife in a public place and one of theft.

At Peterborough Crown Court he was jailed for five years.

DC Natalie Hines said: "Penhaligon clearly thought nothing of the trauma he was inflicting on the people he threatened and callously took advantage of someone who was supposed to be his friend.

"Being short of money is absolutely no excuse for behaviour like this and I am pleased that justice has been done."