A 20-year-old man is today starting a four-and-a-half year prison sentence for robbing a café owner at knifepoint.

Josh Love, of no fixed abode, was jailed after a four day trial at Basildon Crown Court. He had carried out the robbery at the Blue Café, in the High Street, on Canvey Island, on Friday May 29.

Investigation officer DC Glen Crosby said: "Love had entered the store while the owner was closing up. He had come around the counter and pulled out a large hunting knife before threatening the victim and swinging at him with the knife.

"It was only because the shop owner stepped back that he avoided being injured. Love then repeatedly threatened to stab the victim before grabbing around £150 from the till and running off.”

A police investigation was launched and Love’s name soon surfaced as a potential suspect.

DC Crosby said: "The victim was speaking to other customers about the attack and Love’s name was mentioned.

"Very enterprisingly he looked on Facebook, found Love’s profile and was able to positively identify him as the robber. We arrested him soon afterwards and he was charged with the robbery and possession of a knife. He was also further charged with an unrelated burglary.”

Love had continued to deny any involvement in the robbery but a jury concluded the weight of evidence against him was so great that he had to be responsible. He had separately admitted the burglary.

DC Crosby said: "I would like to thank the shop owner for his bravery on the night and his co-operation throughout our investigation which has led to Love’s conviction. Hopefully Love will use his time in prison to reflect upon the unacceptable nature of his despicable actions and I am pleased he is no longer on the streets of Essex.”