A 25-year-old Dartford robber has been jailed after threatening to stab a man before leaving with a roll up cigarette and loose change.

James Harris, of Olive Road, was punished with three years in prison and police say the sentence was "entirely justified".

The court heard how on March 29 at 1.30am the victim was walking home after buying food at a petrol station in Princes Road.

He heard footsteps behind him before Harris "jumped onto his back" and demanded his wallet while threatening to knife him.

A Kent Police statement added: "The victim handed over his wallet and Harris made further demands on the victim who then refused to co-operate. Harris left the scene with a roll up cigarette and a small amount of coins.

"After the robbery the victim described his attacker as having a cut on his hand and he noticed he had blood on his clothes.

"We identified Harris based on the description and the close proximity of the offence to his home and arrested him around 4.30pm on the same day. Upon arrest our officers noticed a large cut on his hand."

Detective Sergeant Mike Champion said the victim was not hurt but said that violent crime can have lasting emotional effects.

He added: "Harris’s willingness to threaten an innocent member of the public clearly demonstrates he is a dangerous offender."

Harris pleaded guilty to the robbery at Woolwich Crown Court on July 24.

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