A DRUG dealer who held up two local shops with a knife while on bail for supplying heroin has been jailed for seven years.

Gary Turner wore a balaclava, latex gloves and threatened terrified shopkeepers with a knife, police said.

The two raids in the Livesey Branch Road area of Blackburn just a week apart.

The 37-year-old was found guilty of two counts of robbery after a two-day trial.

Both offences were committed after Turner had been released on bail for possessing heroin with intent to supply.

He pleaded guilty to that charge.

Police said that Turner, of Andrew Close, off Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, made off with £130 after targeting an elderly shopkeeper at Number One News, Gib Lane on October 8 last year.

He threatened the 64-year-old with a small pocket knife and demanded money from the till and the man's wallet before fleeing with the cash, officers said.

The shopkeeper was left uninjured but traumatised by the robbery.

A week later he struck at Morgan's off-licence, Livesey Branch Road, where he threatened a member of staff at knife-point and stole £150.

When officers raided Turner's home address they said they found a pair of purple gloves, another pair of cream gloves, a black balaclava with eye holes cut into it and the knife - hidden under his mattress.

He was arrested and charged with the offences.

Turner was sentenced by Recorder Simon Medland when he appeared at Minshull Street court in Manchester yesterday.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Steve Dowson, of Blackburn, said: “This was extremely distressing for the victims involved and whilst they didn’t suffer any physical injuries, they were both left traumatised by the whole ordeal.

“This sentence reflects the severity of the offences and demonstrates our determination to investigate this type of crime and put dangerous offenders behind bars.

“We would like to reassure people that we will do everything to bring people who commit offences like this to justice.”