THREE Clacton men are today starting jail terms after an armed robbery at a post office.

Kenny Aldred, of Sladburys Lane, Scott Warner, of Wellesley Road, and Carl Pinches, of Maldon Way, were sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday to a total of nine years.

The men threatened a female worker at the Post Office in Stratford Road, Holland-on-Sea with a handgun on October 3 and forced her to hand over a four-figure sum of cash.

Aldred, 19, was arrested two days later and charged with robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

Warner, 24, and Pinches, 26, were arrested later and subsequently charged.

Warner was charged with robbery, possession of class A rugs and possession of an imitation firearm while Pinches was charged with possession of an imitation firearm, taking a motor vehicle without consent and driving without a licence. All three were jailed for three years each.

Det Sgt Jules Cole, of Clacton CID, said: “This was a good investigation by the team at Clacton CID, supported by firearms officers, who located and arrested the suspects.

“These criminals have now been sent to prison and we are pleased that these men, who were prepared to carry a firearm to commit robbery, have been taken off the streets of Clacton.”