A DANGEROUS robber who jumped out of some bushes with a knife and forced a man to hand over cash and a mobile phone has been sentenced to six years in prison.

David Hindson shocked victim Simon Worsley on a path near Lonsdale Street, known as the Black Path, in Accrington, on the afternoon of April 9.

Burnley Crown Court heard Hindson, 38, confronted the victim and asked him to hand over his money.

The victim was patted down by Hindson who then took Mr Worsley’s mobile phone.

Charlie Brown, prosecuting, said Hindson was carrying a 10-inch knife.

The court heard Mr Worsley fled and reported the incident to the police. When officers arrived they found the defendant nearby.

Hindson had 17 previous convictions for 38 offences and was jailed in 2015 for robbery and three attempted robberies using knives.

Matthew Howarth, defending, said he accepted an assessment carried out by the probation service that his client should be classed as a ‘dangerous offender’.

Mr Howarth also said Hindson had regretted his actions and hoped the victim could move on with his life.

Hindson, formerly of Lydia Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article.

Hindson was given six years in prison, and once released he would be ordered to serve five years on licence.

Judge Sara Dodd said the victim was left extremely frightened by his ordeal.

Addressing Hindson, she said: “He reported the incident to the police and they found you.

“You are regretful to what happened to Mr Worsley and you hope he can move on with his life.

“It is right you did not cause him serious injury but your behaviour was irrational and impulsive.

“I have no hesitation in concluding you are a dangerous offender.

“There was no use of a weapon to cause serious injury, but in my judgement to use a knife, that signals physical or psychological harm could be caused.”

Judge Dodd said a life sentence was not merited on this occasion as that sentence was reserved for grave crimes and used as a last resort.