A robber who threatened staff at two separate Betfred stores with a knife before demanding cash has been jailed for seven years.

Thomas Birks, 29, of Main Road in Naphill, held up the Betfred store in Straight Bit, Flackwell Heath, on May 17 last year.

He threatened a member of staff with a knife and demanded money. He was handed a large quantity of cash before he fled.

Days later on May 28, 2018, he entered Betfred in Totteridge Road in High Wycombe wielding a knife and demanded money.

The staff member ran away and no cash was taken.

He was arrested on June 14 that year and charged the next day.

After a four-day trial at Aylesbury Crown Court, he was jailed for seven years on Thursday, July 18.

He was found guilty by majority verdict of one count of robbery, one count of attempted robbery and two counts of possession of a bladed article.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Dan Tucker, said: “I am pleased that the offender in both these incidents has been brought to justice and as a result he will serve a prison sentence.

“There is no excuse for this sort of behaviour and it is not tolerated by Thames Valley Police.

“We will always investigate thoroughly any reports of armed robbery and will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the victims for their support throughout this investigation.”