A robber who was let out of jail early has been sent to prison for taking cash from a food and wine shop in Barnet.

Matthew Brooks, 29, of Langford Road, Cockfosters, entered the store in Lytton Road on Tuesday, February 28, just as the cashier was cashing up.

The 24-year-old male cashier was holding £100 cash in his hand when Brooks handed him a mobile phone and asked if he wanted to buy it.

The cashier tried to hand the phone back but Brooks grabbed hold of his hand and attempted to get hold of the cash.

After a struggle, the victim managed to pull the money away but Brooks leaned over the counter and stole £5 in coins.

The crime was recorded on CCTV and a police officer recognised Brooks as someone he had spoken to earlier that day.

Police finally arrested him on the Dollis Valley Estate on Tuesday, April 3.

Brooks, who had been released early from prison on licence for robbery, was recalled to jail to await trial for this case.

On Wednesday, April 11, Brooks was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court after pleading guilty to one count of robbery. He has been jailed for 18 months.