A knife-wielding robber demanded cash from an older man after arranging to meet on a dating website. 

Ashley Jackson, 19, arranged to meet his victim, aged in his 40s, after they met online on November 11, 2022.

After they had met at an address in Hackney and spent some time together, Jackson had pulled a knife from his sleeve and threatened the victim, demanding he give him money.

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Jackson took £180 in cash from the victim before calling a taxi and leaving.

He was arrested on November 15 following an investigation by detectives from the Met's Central East Command.

Jackson pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article on December 15, 2022 at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday (January 10) to 40 months' imprisonment for robbery, with a six-month concurrent sentence for possession of a bladed article.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Alex O’Sullivan said: "The effects of becoming a victim of robbery, particularly where there is threat of violence, run far deeper than a loss of cash or property – they can be traumatic and long-lasting.

"Jackson has now been removed from the community, where he can no longer victimise the public.

"I sincerely hope this brings the victim the sense that justice has been served."

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