A VIOLENT robber from Penge has been jailed after committing two knifepoint robberies in Bromley borough - one in which he stabbed a cashier twice in the back.

Mark Allen, aged 47, of Robina Close, Penge, was found guilty of two counts of robbery and one count of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He was jailed for 15 years at Croydon Crown Court late last month.

On February 19 last year, at 10.10pm, Allen entered the RS Best Food and Wines store in Anerley Hill.

He threatened staff with a knife and hammer before stealing £642 and cycling off.

Five days later, at 7.10pm, Allen entered the BP Petrol Station in Anerley Road, stealing £200 at knifepoint and stabbing a 42-year-old cashier who chased him twice in the back.

The cashier required hospital treatment for his wounds.

Allen was arrested on March 13 after being identified through CCTV. He was also forensically linked to discarded clothing and knives after his DNA was found on them.

He pleaded not guilty to all offences throughout the trial.

Detective Constable Marie Hill, of Bromley Police, said: "I hope these verdicts and the prison sentence handed down reassures residents of our capability and determination to identify, locate and prosecute violent and prolific offenders such as Allen.

"Allen is a habitual criminal and the sentence passed should act as a deterrent for those considering in engaging in this type of crime."

Allen has 15 previous convictions for 27 offences dating back to 1982.