AN ARMED robber was locked up for four years just 10 days after threatening a man at knife point in Swanley.

Shortly after 6pm on April 21, Joseph Lee, 29, of Hart Dyke Road in Swanley, demanded a van driver take him in his van to Star Lane, St Mary Cray, threatening him with a knife if he did not comply.

After being driven across town by the 41-year-old victim, Lee left the van and took the vehicle’s CD player and stereo with him as he fled on foot.

The victim was “shaken” by the incident but was able to identify Lee and just three hours later, at 9.22pm, he was arrested.

Although Lee refused to comment during police interview, forensics were able to prove he had been in the vehicle and he was charged with robbery and possessing an offensive weapon.

He pleaded guilty to both offences at Sevenoaks Magistrates Court on April 23.

His case was committed to Maidstone Crown Court for sentencing where he was jailed on May 1 for four years for the robbery offence and six months for possessing the knife. The sentences will run concurrently.

DC Graham Hunt, who led the investigation, said: “This crime has had a devastating effect on the victim and his family.

“They are so upset – it’s changed their lives forever.

“But at least justice has been done, and quickly.”

DCI David Coleman, head of Kent Police’s reactive crime team, said: “This really is swift justice.

“To go from offence to imprisonment in just 10 days has to be the system at its best.

“Four years imprisonment is a substantial sentence and I hope the early conviction and sentencing goes some way to helping the victim and his family.”