Two robbers have been jailed for holding up a string of massage parlours in Oxford using a fake shotgun.

Peter Mackie, of Bulan Road, Headington, and James Qualter, of Harolde Close, were sentenced to life and nine years in prison respectively yesterday.

Oxford Crown Court heard sexual services were performed at the parlours and the men targeted them in the belief that the masseuses would be reluctant to contact police. But police said afterwards the case showed prostitutes who were victims of crime will be treated as seriously as anybody else.

Mackie and Qualter both denied charges of aggravated burglary, on December 20 last year, in Abbey Place, Oxford, robbery and possession of an imitation firearm, on December 23 at London Road, Headington, and attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm at Millway Close, Wolvercote, on December 27. Mackie had previous convictions for robbery and carrying an imitation firearm, and Qualter one for robbery.

The court heard that during the attempted robbery at the Wolvercote parlour, they were wearing balaclavas and carrying a white plastic bag containing tubing made to look like a shotgun.

Carla Formaggio, who was visiting a friend there, pulled the balaclava off one man -- whom she later identified as Mackie --and drove him out of the house.

In passing sentence, Judge Anthony King paid tribute to Miss Formaggio's bravery and recommended the investigating officer in the case, Det Con Huw James, of Oxford CID, for a commendation from the Chief Constable.

Speaking after the case, Det Con James said: "The difficulty in this case was with the witnesses. There was an element of distrust of the police but I think this case sends out a positive message that everyone can approach the police because the courts will take them seriously."