A father-of-four who robbed his neighbourhood off-licence was caught after the assistant manager recognised him as a regular customer.

Fork lift truck driver Wayne Townsend, 25, was jailed for three-and-a-half years after robbing the Local in London Road, Headington.

Oxford Crown Court heard Townsend, of Lyndworth Mews, Headington, forced staff at the shop to open the till and safe before fleeing with £504 cash and £150 in alcohol and cigarettes.

Then, in Between Towns Road, Cowley, he tried to rob a pedestrian of his phone and money before punching him.

He then used some of the stolen cash to buy new clothes from a sports shop in a bid to disguise himself after the incidents on March 18.

Andrew Morgan, prosecuting, said: "The assistant manager said he was grabbed from behind and Mr Townsend repeatedly shouted at him to open the till.

"He thought it was a joke and initially started to laugh but Mr Townsend continued to repeat that the till should be opened. He became quite fearful."

Stephen Parker, defending, said the robbery was caused by Townsend's addiction to crack cocaine, which he was now trying to kick.

He said: "It wasn't at all thought out. He was well-known there and there was no effort at disguise. When he went into the store he was immediately recognised."

Townsend had admitted one charge of robbery.

He was cleared of a further charge of assault after the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence.

Judge Bruce McIntyre said: "This must have been a very frightening experience."