A robber who threatened a petrol station worker with a knife has been jailed.

Matthew Maule entered the premises in Findon Road, Worthing, at about 5am on February 8 this year.

A worker reported the robbery at the premises and that the robber had left the scene.

There was also a further report of an incident at an address in Worthing involving a knife.

Sussex Police issued a public appeal to help identify and locate Maule, and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession of a knife in a public place.

At Lewes Crown Court on May 3, Maule, aged 38, formerly a groundsman of Gravits Lane, Bognor, admitted robbery, possession of a knife in public, and possession of a bladed article in public.

He was sentenced to four years in prison.

Read more: Woman banned from Tesco and Co-op stores

Detective Inspector Gary Jacobs said: "Maule entered a petrol station and threatened a staff member with a knife.

"It was a distressing incident for the victim, and we issued a public appeal to help identify and locate the suspect.

“From our enquiries we were able to identify Maule. We are grateful to the public for their support to help ensure that Maule was arrested swiftly.

“The case demonstrates our determination to catch dangerous criminals and ensure they are taken off the streets."