A robber who threatened a woman with a knife before stealing her money in Lydd has been jailed.

Christopher Banks admitted robbery, possession of a bladed article and possession of cannabis at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday 29 March.

The 25-year-old, of Salisbury Road, Chatham, was jailed for six years on Tuesday 25 May and ordered to serve an extra four years on licence after that term.

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Street robber Christopher Banks has been jailed.

Kent Police’s Chief Constable’s Crime Squad investigated after a woman in her 60s was robbed at knifepoint in Lydd High Street on the afternoon of Sunday 14 February.

Robbery

The victim was approached by Banks after she had collected money from a cashpoint for a friend who was ill.

Banks asked her for some spare change and the woman reached into her purse and got a pound to give him.

But Banks said he wanted a note and became more aggressive, taking a craft knife from his pocket.

The victim then gave him a £10 note, but Banks said he wanted all of her money and jabbed the weapon towards her.

He then grabbed her bag and she ran into the road to stop a passing car for help. The driver allowed her into the car and they briefly followed Banks as he made off.

Investigation

Police were called and officers gathered CCTV from the area before identifying Banks as the robber.

He was arrested at his home in Chatham less than two weeks later and officers seized clothes which linked him to the robbery. A small amount of cannabis was found in his possession following his arrest.

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Trousers and trainers seized at Banks’ home were linked to CCTV footage from the day of the offence.
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A hooded top was linked to doorbell footage from the day of the robbery.
Detective Sergeant Jay Robinson, of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, said: ‘This incident would have been terrifying for the victim, who was in the process of helping a friend when she was confronted by this violent and dangerous man.
‘I am pleased that the thoroughness of our investigation saw him quickly arrested and the evidence gathered left him no choice but to admit these offences.’

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