POLICE have welcomed the jail sentence given to an armed robber who traumatised fast food restaurant staff who were "just trying to make a living".

Raymond Wright, 47, formerly of Queens Drive, Newton-le-Willows, was given the sentence after he pleaded guilty to three robberies, attempted robbery, aggravated burglary and possessing a blade.

During a terrifying eight-day spree, Wright targeted four fast food restaurants across the North West, including two in St Helens, and was involved in a house burglary in Haydock.

Wright's convictions relate to:

• A robbery at McDonald's, on Chalon Way West, St Helens at about 2.55am on September 6 when two male offenders entered demanding money, and leaving with a quantity of cash

• A robbery at KFC, off Watts Clift Way, St Helens at around 11.50pm on September 1 when an offender demanded cash from a member of staff before leaving with the cash

• An attempted robbery at Burger King, Burtonwood, Winwick Road at around 11pm on September 1 when an offender entered but nothing was taken

• An aggravated burglary at Greenwell Street, Haydock on September 5

• A robbery at McDonald's in Pendlebury in Manchester on September 8.

Reacting to Wright's sentence, Detective Constable Rory Quigley said: "Robberies of this nature are far from victimless – in these incidents a number of members of staff were left extremely traumatised by the experience.

"The businesses targeted are staffed by local people who just want to earn a living and provide for their families, yet Wright thought nothing of threatening them and demanding cash. It can be difficult for staff who face such incidents to face going back in to work, as they fear it may happen again.

"We will not tolerate offenders who target local stores and create a climate of fear and intimidation and will use all the tools in our armoury to deter and prevent this type of crime and lock up those responsible.

"We welcome the fact that Wright will wake up tomorrow in jail and the residents and workers of the areas he targeted will be relieved to know that he will not be in any position to commit similar offences any time soon."