A HEROIN addict who threatened staff with a kitchen knife at a Hainault convenience store during a violent crime spree has been jailed for life.

Ian Edwards, 45, of no fixed address, forced his way behind the counter of Hainault Food and Wine in New North Road, Hainault threateneing to stab the cashier unless they emptied the till.

Hearing the disturbance other staff ran out to tackle Edwards who cut his hand in the ensuing struggle before escaping.

The terrifying attack was one of seven carried out in the Hainault, Hornchurch and Rainham areas between April 23 and May 8 by Edwards who was assisted by getaway car driver Kenneth Westfield, 37, of Chantry Way in Rainham.

In one of the other robberies, Edwards attacked a frail woman in her seventies at a Rainham newsagent, dragging her across the floor and threatening to stab her unless she emptied her till.

He wielded a knife in all the robberies leaving behind him a string of terrified victims.

At a trial at the Old Bailey, the court heard Edwards was motivated by the need to satisfy his drug addiction.

He was sentenced to life with a minimum of 12 years on Friday. His accomplice, Westfield, was jailed for six years.