TWO hooded robbers put a postmistress through a terrifying ordeal before fleeing with almost £8,000.

Jean Barrett had liquid sprayed in her face and was then manhandled by the pair as they tried to drag her out through a hole in the wall. They eventually left her at the post office in Aylesford.

One of the raiders, Mark Norton, of Riding Park, Hildenborough, was jailed for five years after a judge said deterrent sentences had to be passed for such offences.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how Miss Barrett was confronted by the two men after she arrived at work on May 26.

Bridget Todd, prosecuting, said once inside Miss Barrett heard somebody. She looked around and saw the toilet door spring open.

One of the men moved towards her and sprayed her with a liquid she believed was ammonia or washing up liquid. Both were wearing Hessian sacks over their heads.

One demanded the keys to the safe and then unlocked it. She was asked: “Where’s the money from yesterday?” Miss Barrett said she was not there the day before.

One of the men told her: “You are coming with us.” He pulled her into the toilet, where she could see there was a small hole.

When she said she would not fit through the hole, the men ordered her to sit on the toilet facing the outside door until they had gone. She then ran out of the post office and called the police.

Miss Todd said a WPC saw Norton, 47, walking along Station Road, about a quarter of a mile from the post office shortly afterwards.

A total of £4,029 in cash, £1,919 in postal orders and vehicle licences, and a Hessian sack, were found in his rucksack. The total amount of cash and stock stolen was £7,784.

Miss Todd said the victim was not injured but was absolutely terrified the men were going to hurt her.

Judge Andrew Patience told Norton, who admitted robbery, that office staff were vulnerable because it was known they often worked alone.

It is understood Norton did not play the leading role and was not the man who sprayed Miss Barrett in the face. His accomplice was not caught.

But said the judge: “As far as Miss Barrett was concerned, it didn’t matter who was doing what. You, in law, are as much responsible for what the other man did.”