A NEWPORT man has been jailed for more than four years after he robbed a man at knifepoint in the city.

William Jones, aged 27, of Alexandra Road, Pill, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court for robbery, theft, threatening with an article with a blade or point and assaulting two police officers in the execution of their duty.

He pleaded guilty to all counts at the hearing.

The court heard on June 27, 27-year-old Grant Yardley was walking in the city centre near Old Green roundabout when he noticed someone walking close behind him at around 10.30pm.

Jason Howells, prosecuting, said Mr Yardley quickened his pace and as he was nearing the second subway towards the wave, the defendant pulled a three inch Stanley knife on him and demanded 'give me your money.'

He said two other people walked by during which the defendant hid the knife and once the coast was clear repeated his demand for money. Mr Yardley, gave the defendant his wallet; which Jones took out two £20 notes and coins before returning the wallet.

The court heard, the following day, a 23-year-old supply teacher, Kirsty Hodge, at around 7.45am was walking near the old Sainsbury's site in Shaftesbury when the defendant asked her for the time. Mr Howells said moments later the defendant snatched Mrs Hodge's purse from her handbag.

Mr Howells said: “Ms Hodge threw her bag down and chased after the defendant who couldn’t run away fast enough as his trousers were falling down.”

The court heard, the defendant grabbed the teacher's right shoulder forcing her into the wall and threatened her with the knife saying ‘do you want me to stab you?’

Jones took £7 from her purse and then gave the purse back.

The court heard Jones resisted arrest and PAVA spray was used on him. During his arrest, he assaulted two police officers causing minor injuries.

The court heard Jones has made 36 court appearances for 83 offences - the majority of which are for shoplifting.

Gareth Williams, defending, said Jones had been living on the streets after his six-year relationship had broken down and had committed the offences after taking street Valium. He said the defendant had a 'very difficult upbringing' and was encouraged to steal from an early age.

Judge David Wynn Morgan sentenced Jones to a total of four years and eight months imprisonment.

He said: "What you did was simply astonishing. You attacked somebody who was making his lawful way home and you produced a knife and threatened him with it."