Two drunken thugs have been jailed after leaving beer cans at the scene of an attempted robbery.

The pair were put behind bars after police were able to prove they had been drinking at the scene of an attempted robbery after their DNA was found on an empty can.

Terry Williams, 30, of Boundary Road, Chatham and Matthew Macleod, 35 of Strover Street, Gillingham, both pleaded guilty to the charge and were each jailed for 32 months.

They tried to rob a 54-year-old man who was collecting Medway Messenger newspaper subscription money in King Edward Road, Chatham on July 15 last year.

The KM Group employee, who is from Rochester was approached by the pair and Williams threw a brick at him which caused a three-inch gash to the back of his head.

The pair fled the scene and people living in the area helped the victim.

Witnesses at the scene told police they had seen Williams and Macleod drinking beer from cans and one of the empty cans was found nearby.

Following forensic examinations, DNA evidence proved that Macleod had been drinking from the can.

PC Claire Hammond said after sentencing: "If it wasn't for the DNA evidence found on one can of beer and the eyewitness accounts from residents it would have been difficult to get a conviction on this case.

"Incidents such as this prove how valuable DNA evidence can be to secure positive outcomes.

"That one can of beer turned out to be the difference in this case.

"Williams may have thrown the brick, but both men were responsible for the attempted robbery and we are pleased that they have been given prison sentences.

"This was a mindless act, which left an innocent man with a serious head injury.

"I would like to thank all of those who helped with the police investigation. The support of residents and the witness statements they provided helped to make sure that both men were rightfully convicted."

Both were jailed at Maidstone Crown Court.