Bryan Foley robbed an off licence in Uppingham armed with a machete, and a news-agents in Corby armed with an imitation handgun.
Leicester Crown Court heard how he went into Martin's newsagents on November 24 last year and held a gun to the heads of two members of staff before making off with just £16.
He later threatened a female staff member at the off licence with the machete. He escaped with the till but abandoned it after failing to open it.