A robber who raided a post office at knifepoint was yesterday jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Simon Dray, 32, threatened a staff member before fleeing with cash, stamps and cigarettes worth £45 in January.

He was caught by police who intercepted his getaway car still near to Wannock post office and newsagent, near Polegate.

Prosecutor Richard Jury told Lewes Crown Court yesterday: "Rosina Wilson was working behind the newsagent counter.

"In the back was the owner and in the post office area was the owner's wife.

"The defendant entered the shop and was wearing an anorak with the hood pulled up.

"He asked for cigarettes and Rosina Wilson turned around. As she turned back she saw he had a knife, which he pushed towards her stomach. No contact was made.

"He said, 'Open the till'. She did and handed over cash and stamps.

"He stole about £30 cash and stamps and 40 Benson and Hedges cigarettes. He walked out of the shop and was seen by Mrs Wilson getting into a car."

Mr Jury added that Dray, of Holly Place, Willingdon Trees, Eastbourne, was arrested at a nearby junction.

He said: "Also in the car was a young woman. Proceedings against her have not been initiated."

Dray, who has previous convictions for using threatening words or behaviour and criminal damage, admitted robbery.

James Hasslacher, defending, said: "This offence was motivated by drugs.

"It is tragic those who fall into the scourge of heroin feel they have no recourse but to commit crime.

"How he came to commit this offence he still does not understand. He said he had acted on the spur of the moment."

He added that Dray had not taken drugs since he was taken into custody on January 25.

Sentencing, Judge Anthony Scott-Gall said: "The offence is so serious only a custodial sentence is justified."