An Erith teenager with a penchant for flashy phones has been sentenced to five years in a young offender institution after committing a series of robberies across Crayford.

Adem Smith-Hassan, 18, of Kale Road, appeared at Inner London Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery and one count of theft.

The first incident happened on November 23 last year when he robbed another 18-year-old man of an iPhone 4s while the victim was sitting on a bench in Waterside in Crayford.

The second happened on April 9 in Station Road, Crayford, when Smith-Hassan robbed a 17-year-old boy of another iPhone 4 as they were walking along the road.

Smith-Hassan then stole a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 from a casual acquaintance, an 18-year-old man, near McDonald’s in Crayford High Street on June 9.

He was identified as a suspect for the series of robberies and was arrested at Kidbrooke station on June 10 despite attempting to evade capture by giving a false name.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes, from Bexley police, said: "The significant sentence handed down in this case reflects the seriousness of the offences and Bexley is a safer place with Smith-Hassan serving a custodial sentence.

"I hope that this sentence sends out a clear message to those who commit robberies in Bexley - there is no hiding place for you, you will be pursued rigorously and placed before the courts to face the consequences of your actions."