A MAN has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for carrying out a "frightening" knifepoint robbery in Bournemouth town centre.

Riedah Muller, aged 20 and of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court after admitting offences of robbery, attempted robbery and possessing a knife or bladed article in a public place.

The court heard that around 5pm on Monday, July 1,this year, a man aged in his twenties was approached by Muller as he walked through the grounds of St Peter's Church, Hinton Road, Bournemouth.

Muller lifted his top to show a knife tucked into his waistband and demanded money.

The shocked victim gave him £5 and then Muller stole his mobile phone before leaving the scene.

Then, around 6.35pm that same evening, a second victim – a man aged in his forties – was walking along Surrey Road away from Bournemouth town centre when he was also approached by Muller, who, this time, pulled a large knife out of his bag.

Muller demanded money but the victim refused and Muller ran off when he saw another group of people approaching.

He was identified by an officer from CCTV of the incidents and was arrested the following day.

Detective Constable Steve Davis, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We do not tolerate knife crime on our streets and I am pleased that we were quickly able to identify Muller as the offender for the robbery offences and bring him before the court.

“These must have been frightening experiences for the victims involved and I would like to thank them for their support throughout this investigation.”

Muller was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on August 29.