A desperate 28-year-old drug addict who robbed Cheltenham shops to fund his addiction has been jailed for a year - despite telling a judge that he is now 'clean' of illicit substances.

Luke Handley of Grove Street, Cheltenham pleaded guilty at Gloucester Crown Court to eight counts of robbery, attempted robbery and theft, all committed during April and May of this year.

Prosecutor Ken Bell said Handley would walk into a shop, ask for some change and then the moment the cashier opened the till, he would lunge over and grab money before making off.

"On one occasion he went into McColls in Edinburgh Place, Cheltenham in the evening and asked the shopkeeper for change.

"She opened the till and he lunged across, gripped her hand, digging his nails in, and helped himself to money. She swore at him and dug her nails into his hand," said Mr Bell.

Stores targeted by Handley included Waterstones in The Promenade, Five Guys Burgers, The Grape Tree, Kaspa's Desserts, the Co-Op and Iceland.

The court then heard that Handley had been a drug addict, but has now "turned the corner" and has "addressed his demons."

After hearing evidence from the defendant, who took the witness stand, His Honour Judge Ian Lawrie QC congratulated him on turning his back on drugs and crime, but sent him to prison for 12 months.