A WOMAN who robbed a petrol station shop and terrified staff with a 10-inch kitchen knife has been jailed.

Angela Hughes, of Pentland Close, Winsford, entered the SPAR store at the Shell garage in Delamere Street at around 10.30pm on Thursday, August 18.

Once inside, the 45-year-old brandished a knife and began threatening staff, demanding they handed over money from the tills.

She then fled the scene with £855 worth of cash.                      

Police were dispatched to the scene and quickly identified Hughes as the suspect after reviewing CCTV footage.

An investigation was launched and she was apprehended two days later at 11.40am after the Central Motorway Policing Group stopped a car she was travelling in on the M6.

Following questioning she was charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article.

Hughes pleaded guilty to both charges and returned to Chester Crown Court on November 7 where she was jailed for a total of four years and nine months.

This latest incident comes four years after Hughes was jailed for terrorising and robbing a taxi driver at knife-point.

Northwich Guardian: Angela HughesAngela Hughes (Image: Cheshire Police)

Following Hughes’ sentencing, Detective Constable Kelly Mankee said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for all those involved, and I welcome the sentence that has been handed to Hughes.

"She is a prolific offender and has showed absolutely no regard for both the store workers and members of the public who were also present. 

"Thankfully, as a result of a thorough investigation, and the strength of evidence gathered against her, Hughes was left with no option but to plead guilty.

"I hope that the outcome of this case demonstrates to local residents how seriously we treat robbery, and also acts as a warning to others who are intent on committing crime."

Hughes was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228 on her release.