A drug addict who terrorised shop staff during a reign of terror can today be revealed as a killer.

Sean Donoher, one of Brighton and Hove's most wanted armed robbers, has been jailed for life after admitting five raids and asking for four others to be considered.

As he prowled the city's streets for three months striking fear into shop staff and customers, Sussex Police, who feared causing panic, imposed a news blackout on how Donoher had stabbed a man to death.

Donoher was captured with the help of a £1,000 reward from The Argus.

A convicted killer, he used knives and an imitation gun to threaten staff at off-licences in the city.

He needed cash to feed his £50-a-day drug habit, Lewes Crown Court heard yesterday.

Judge Anthony Scott Gall imposed a mandatory life sentence because of Donoher's previous convictions. He will not be eligible for parole for five-and-a-half years.

The judge said Donoher set out on a "campaign of armed robberies on small off-licences very late at night on dark winter evenings".

He said: "These people must have been quite terrified and I have a duty not only to punish you but to protect the public."

Donoher's spree of violence was brought to an end in January when an informant responded to a £1,000 reward from The Argus and another £1,000 from Sussex Police.

His information helped lead police to Donoher's arrest and subsequent conviction.

Detective Constable Stuart Parsons praised The Argus, members of the public and "good old-fashioned detective work" for Donoher's downfall.

He said: "Donoher brought fear to employees of off-licences throughout Brighton and Hove. Thanks to the assistance we got and the work of detectives we were able to bring this dangerous man to justice."

Off-licence manager Rob Harris said: "I'm delighted he has got life."

A female member of his staff had a knife put to her throat at Unwins in Powis Road, Brighton.

Mr Harris said: "My assistant was terrorised and it is about time people like him got what they deserved."