TWO men have admitted an armed robbery in Kidderminster using an imitation firearm.

Dean Buckley and Stephen Soley appeared over prison videolink at Worcester Crown Court on Monday before Judge Nicholas Cole.

Sitting side by side in the videolink booth, Buckley, 45, of no fixed abode and Soley, 37, of Stourbridge Road, Kidderminster admitted robbery on April 9 this year.

The incident took place at Matalan on Park Butts Ringway, Kidderminster.

The pair further admitted possession of imitation firearm - a .177 ball bearing gun - at the time of committing that offence; having an offensive weapon (a pickaxe) in a public place (Park Lane); theft of a pickaxe and a sledgehammer on April 10 this year.

Raj Punia, prosecuting, asked that sentence be adjourned until a transcript was provided of video interviews with the victims and so that the case could be properly presented.

Miss Punia confirmed that Buckley had a previous conviction for aggravated burglary from 2005. This led to a 21 month prison sentence, his defence advocate, Adam Western, was able to confirm.

"Given what they have pleaded guilty to, the court will have to consider the issue of dangerousness" said Miss Punia.

Mr Western said of Buckley: "He has a long criminal history - but not for violence."

Judge Cole adjourned the case until June 10, remanding both men in custody in the meantime. He said both would receive a reduction in sentence to reflect their guilty pleas.

However, he added: "It's inevitable - as I'm sure you're aware - you will receive a sentence of imprisonment."