Two armed robbers have been jailed for a total of ten years after a raid in which a have-a-go hero was slashed with an 8in blade.

Tamra Lewis, 26, and Daniel Durkin, 24, were convicted yesterday after a five-day trial at Lewes Crown Court.

Judge Anthony Scott Gall praised window fitter Kevin O'Malley, who needed nine stitches to a cut hand as he protected two female assistants at an off-licence in Brighton.

The judge called him courageous and said the injury could have disabled him for life.

It was two months before Mr O'Malley, 39, from Hove, recovered fully.

He said today: "I don't feel like a hero. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Mr O'Malley is a regular customer at Unwins in Preston Road, Brighton, and knew the two assistants.

He said: "I would not like to be left alone with these robbers and I'd hope someone would help me."

Mr O'Malley was buying cigarettes in the store when Lewis and Durkin grabbed £50 from the till and bottles of wine.

Mr O'Malley said: "I can't really tell you precisely how I was injured, whether I put my hand in the way of the knife or whether she lashed out at me. It all happened so quickly."

Lewis admitted theft and causing grievous bodily harm but denied robbery. Durkin pleaded not guilty to robbery, insisting he was not there.

Lewis was picked out in an identity parade but Durkin refused to take part, the court heard.

Lewis identified Durkin as her accomplice and both were found guilty of robbery.

The pair, originally from Bath, had several previous convictions for theft. Each was jailed for five years.

Detective Constable Mo Dando, of Brighton and Hove CID, said: "The force does not encourage people to have a go but Mr O'Malley was extremely brave."