A robber walked into a petrol station and claimed he had a gun to threaten staff – before calling police and telling them what he had done.

Ricky Beckford walked into a Gatwick petrol station in camouflage clothing and a balaclava and claimed he had a gun.

Beckford then called Sussex Police to admit what he had done and hand himself in.

He later admitted robbery and possession of a knife in public.

A hearing at Lewes Crown Court heard that Beckford, 32, from Wells in Norfolk, was found in possession of a knife after robbing the BP service station in Ring Road North near Gatwick Airport.

The incident took place at around 6.15pm on February 16.

Sussex Police Detective Sergeant Ian Warncken said: “Beckford masked his face while committing the robbery, and was in possession of a knife.

“No one should have to be threatened to be robbed when they go to work, and Beckford’s actions were completely unacceptable.

“We work alongside businesses and our partners to tackle business crime.

“This case continues to show our determination to catch offenders and to ensure that Gatwick remains a safe place for people to work at and travel through.”