A violent thug who punched a woman while he tried to rob her and threatened to stab a Good Samaritan who intervened has been jailed.

Michael Mitchell carried out his vicious attack as he tried to rob the woman of her mobile phone while she walked in St Mary’s Road, Harlesden.

Harrow Crown Court heard the 49-year-old punched his victim in the side of her face causing her to fall to the ground before trying to flee the scene as she cried for help.

However he was detained by a brave passerby who ignored his stab threats and continued to hold on to him until the police arrived.

Yesterday Mitchell, of no fixed abode, was jailed for seven years for the robbery which took place on April 3 this year.