A VIOLENT robber who terrorised tube passengers into handing over their money and mobile phones has been jailed for three years and eight months, writes Kate Ferguson. Corey Smith 19, of Bramshill Road, Harlesden, robbed six people as they travelled alon

A VIOLENT robber who terrorised tube passengers into handing over their money and mobile phones has been jailed for three years and eight months, writes Kate Ferguson.

Corey Smith 19, of Bramshill Road, Harlesden, robbed six people as they travelled alone, at night on the Central line tube around Northolt in a three week crime spree in December and January.

Southwark Crown Court heard how Mr Smith threatened to harm his victims, and on one occasion threatened them with a knife, if they did not hand over their cash.

British Transport Police (BTP) arrested Mr Smith at Northolt station after they recognised him from a description given by one of his victims earlier that day. He was searched and found in possession of a lock knife and some old type twenty pound notes he had stolen earlier that day.

Mr Smith was linked to all the robberies by CCTV footage and was later picked out at identity parades by his six victims.

Det Sgt Terry Botten from BTP welcomed the sentence and said: "While violent crime on the Tube is very rare, any incident like this is unacceptable.

"These robberies were extremely frightening ordeals for the victims and in some cases were extremely violent."

Smith pleaded guilty five counts of robbery, one of attempted robbery, and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon at a hearing last month.

Howard Collins, chief operating officer of London Underground said:

"We are glad that our station CCTV has helped bring Smith to justice, stopping him from carrying out any more of his attacks.

"This sentence should reassure our passengers that both London Underground and the courts take these types of offences seriously and should serve as a reminder to criminals that we will identify them and bring them to justice.