A MAN who targeted shops, snatching cash from tills in six separate incidents, has been jailed for four years.

Preston Crown Court heard David Greaves resorted to crime in a desperate bid to raise money for drugs. His four day "spree" netted nearly £800, but also resulted in his arrest.

Sentencing the 32-year-old to prison a judge told hin "What is serious is the nature of the victims you targeted. Those people are prepared to work in shops serving the public, sometimes at unsociable hours.

"They have to be protected from drug addicts such as you who prey on them in order to feed their habit".

Greaves, of Mallard Place, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to one charge of robbery and other offences of dangerous driving, disqualified driving and not having insurance. He asked for six further offences to be considered - one robbery, four thefts and one attempted theft.

The offences took place between December 26 and 29 in Blackburn, Clayton-le-Moors and Oswaldtwistle.

In each instance he had gone into a shop, made as if to buy something and then lunged forward, stealing cash from the till.

Mr Howard Shaw, defending, said Greaves accepted that a substantial custody sentence would follow. He had co-operated with the police.

"It was desperation to fund his drug habit. He has been receiving drug counselling since his remand in custody. Now his is committed to dealing with his drug problem".

Judge Andrew Blake passed a three year sentence on one of the robberies, plus six months on top for dangerous driving. But Greaves must first serve six months prison recall before starting his sentence.