A 25-YEAR-OLD violent criminal has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for robbing a 51-year-old pedestrian in Biggin Hill.

Ali Gillam, from New Addington, pleaded guilty to robbery at Croydon Crown Court.

The court heard how at around 2pm on February 20 a woman was walking along Sunningvale Avenue when Gillam snatched her handbag, causing her to fall to the ground cutting her knee and hand.

A 25-year-old builder who witnessed the robbery while loading his van chased after Gillam and wrestled him to the floor.

Bromley police’s Detective Inspector Jane Corrigan said: “But for the bravery of the gentleman who intervened, this violent criminal might not have been arrested.

“His public citizenship and sense of duty are evident for all to see and I wholeheartedly commend his actions.”