Everson Joseph struck in Kensal Rise, Paddington, Greenford, Hanwell and west Ealing

A man who carried out five knifepoint robberies in one week has been jailed for seven years.

Everson Joseph, 28, from Northolt, terrorised staff at three bookmakers, including a branch in Kensal Rise, and workers at an off-licence by threatening them with a knife as he demanded cash.

He also robbed a minicab driver at knifepoint during a separate incident.

Harrow Crown Court heard he struck between February 23 and March 1 this year.

On each occasion he threatened members of staff or the public with violence.

Luckily no one was seriously injured during the raids.

He was snared after officers of the Flying Squad tracked him down in Kilburn by using a combination of techniques.

They swooped on him on March 5 as he boarded a bus in Kilburn Park Road.

During a search they found him in possession of items of clothing which could be matched to CCTV footage of the suspect at some of the robberies.

Joseph admitted five counts of robbery and was jailed today.

Detective Sergeant Adam Rodger, who led the investigation, said: “Joseph is a violent and dangerous man and it is only by sheer luck that no one was more seriously injured as a result of his actions.

“I thank those involved for having the courage to come forward and help put Joseph behind bars and DC Ricardo Viera who worked extremely hard on this investigation.”