A man who was wrongly convicted of murder has now been sentence to more than seven years in prison.

Billy Joe Friend was jailed in 1996 after being found guilty of stabbing Ben O'Connor, 18, while at a party in Conway Road, Plumstead.

Friend, who was just 15 at the time of the killing, appealed on the grounds the trial judge had allowed the jury to draw adverse conclusions from the fact he did not testify on his own behalf at the trial.

His conviction was quashed in 2004 after medical evidence showed Friend was suffering from ADHD, which meant he would not have been able to give evidence properly.

The wrongly convicted man has since gone on to become a prolific robber who has stolen televisions from supermarkets in Sevenoaks and Swanley.

On January 30, Friend, aged 37, entered a Tesco store in Aisher Way, Riverhead, with another man.

They proceeded to remove a large boxed television from one of the aisles and then attempted to leave through a fire door.

When this failed the pair headed for the main exit and fled to a waiting car. Staff who challenged them were threatened with violence.

Weeks later, on March 10, Friend was one of four thieves who targeted another supermarket, this time in Swanley.

After stealing a television they were challenged by a member of security staff.

In the car park, while armed with a hockey stick, Friend pushed the victim with his hands, causing her to fall to the floor.

They then escaped with the stolen goods, again into a waiting car.

Formerly of Star Lane, St Mary Cray, Friend was arrested on March 19.

Witnesses later picked him out of identification parades and officers also recognised him from CCTV images.

Appearing before Maidstone Crown Court, Friend admitted two thefts at shops in Sheerness but denied two counts of robbery.

The case went to trial, following which a jury found Friend guilty.

Further counts of robbery, theft and for possessing an offensive weapon were left on file.

He was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison.

Investigating officer Detective Constable John Lewis-Williams said: "Criminals like Friend think they are above the law and can do as they please without consequence.

"He has shown absolutely no regard for the fear and distress his violent actions have caused innocent members of staff and customers and even when faced with compelling CCTV evidence refused to admit any guilt.

"'The courts have thankfully recognised Friend is a dangerous and prolific criminal and also a bully.

"Honest hardworking members of society should not be subject to his appalling behaviour and so it is pleasing to see justice has been served with what is a significant prison sentence."