A VIOLENT man who subjected teenagers across Redbridge to a string of terrifying robberies during a four-day crime spree has been jailed for nine years.

Harpareet Singh, 20, of Ashburton Avenue in Ilford pleaded guilty to 10 offences of robbery and attempted robbery and was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court today (May 17).

He began his crime spree at 9.45pm on November 10 last year when he approached a group of three teenagers waiting for a taxi on Snakes Lane East in Woodford Green.

After asking the group for drugs, Singh told them he had a knife and pinned one of them – a thirteen-year-old boy – to the wall, before tearing the boy’s bag from him and making off.

Two days later, Singh was back on the streets of Redbridge looking for victims.

He pulled up in his VW Polo by six boys aged 14-16 who were sitting on a bench on Hobart Road in Barkingside.

Approaching the boys, Singh told them he had a knife and forced them to line up and empty their pockets.

As he robbed the terrified youngsters, Singh grabbed one of the boys by the throat and slapped him around the face.

Two days later, on November 14, Singh carried out three separate robberies.

He began his violent spree shortly before 5pm on Tomswood Hill in Barkingside where he pulled up alongside a 15-year-old boy, grabbed him and forced his terrified victim to hand over his mobile phone.

The boy could see a knife in Singh’s pocket.

Four hours later, Singh was in Hillside Avenue, Woodford Green, where he attacked a 14-year-old boy at a bus stop.

Seeing Singh get out of his car and approach him, the boy tried to escape but was caught put in a headlock and punched repeatedly in the face before Singh made off with his phone and money.

An hour after that, Singh was in Craven Gardens in Ilford where he threatened to shoot an 18-year-old unless he handed over his valuables. The boy managed to escape.

Justice caught up with Singh on November 16, after Ilford Police identified him through descriptions of his car.

When officers knocked on his door, Singh answered with a bag full of stolen property which he dropped at their feet.

Speaking after Singh was sentenced, investigating officer Detective Constable Chris James, from Ilford police, said: "Singh carried out a relentless robbery spree in the Redbridge area that was only brought to an end by Redbridge Robbery Squad acting swiftly to identify and arrest him.

"His victims genuinely believed they would be attacked - and some were - if they didn't hand over their property and were left terrified by their ordeal at Singh's hands."

Singh also pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent in Manford Way, Chigwell on November 10.

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