A violent robber who Lewisham police were looking for after he didn't turn up to court has handed himself in.

James McGowan, 30, of no fixed address, was slapped with a four-year sentence in his absence on July 14 after assaulting a vulnerable 57-year-old man.

McGowan assaulted the man in Whitefoot Lane, Lewisham, on April 6, 2013.

He grabbed him by the throat and pushed him against the front door of a house.

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He then threatened a homeowner who had come out to help the victim.

McGowan was arrested a few hours later and charged.

He was then bailed from court but failed to appear for a subsequent hearing.

Police appealed for the public's help last week in finding McGowan, who was thought to be working as a scaffolder in Lewisham.

Following the appeal McGowan handed himself in at Woolwich Crown Court today, Thursday, 22 September.

He will now serve his sentence.