TWO men who locked a cashier in a store room as they raided a fuel station have been jailed.

Edward Miller, 39, and Austin Thompson, 20, carried out the armed robbery at Binchester Service Station, near Bishop Auckland.

On November 12 the balaclava-clad men entered the garage where they disconnected the CCTV before threatening the cashier and locking her into a store room.

They left via the security door with money, scratch cards, tobacco and cigarettes but were later arrested following an extensive search.

Miller, of St Andrew’s Terrace, Bishop Auckland, and Thompson, 20, of Arch Court, Hartlepool, were sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Thursday, May 17.

Miller received four years and Thompson received a nine-and-a-half year custodial sentence.

Detective Constable Tom Edwards, of Bishop Auckland CID said: “This was truly despicable crime, the victim was subject to threats of extreme violence, and the event will remain with the victim for the rest of her life.

“Both of the offenders are responsible for causing this serious psychological harm and that is something they will have to live with.”

He added: “We will explore all lines of enquiry to bring offenders to justice and are committed to protected communities.”

Both men were sentenced for one count of robbery and another count of threatening another with a bladed article.

Thompson was sentenced for a further count of robbery and threatening another with a bladed article.