AN ARMED robber who targeted two stores has been jailed for life.

Dion Levy, who is of no fixed abode, raided a Spar store in Yetminster, near Sherborne, on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 9.

The 40-year-old jumped over the counter brandishing a thin knife with a yellow handle in his right hand.

He demanded money and grabbed the till drawer before making off into the High Street. Witnesses saw him heading into Stonyacres. He left the area in a blue Citroen Saxo.

The till drawer was found in Stonyacres, and a number of £5 notes were found on the ground in the High Street.

In total, Levy made off with £757.65.

He was arrested the following day and later admitted robbery and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Levy also admitted a further robbery and an offence of possessing a firearm with intent relating to an incident at Martock Post Office in Somerset on Thursday, January 4.

On Monday, October 8, he appeared at Taunton Crown Court and was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of seven years.

Detective Constable Declan Cummings, of Dorset Police, said: “This knifepoint robbery had a significant impact on the local community and I would like to thank colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police for their assistance in bringing Levy to justice.

“I hope the significant sentence imposed demonstrates that offending of this nature will be dealt with firmly by the court.”

A 32-year-old woman from Yeovil was also arrested on suspicion of robbery but was released without charge.