A violent robber who took £22,000 worth of jewellery has been jailed for five years.

Joel Law, drove at 70mph on the wrong side of the road and down the pavement as he tried to get away from police following two robberies.

The 28-year-old of Hodson Place, Enfield, grabbed a 51-year-old man by the throat at Georgy’s Jewellers on Ballards Lane, Barnet, as he wielded a wrench on June 10.

He grabbed gold necklaces and other jewellery before running off.

Eight days later, Law grabbed another man by the throat. This time the shop assistant in Zeyno’s Jewellers, on Green Lanes, Haringey, as he took jewellery and cash.

On June 21, officers in Haringey saw Law in a Peugeot where they had a high speed chase through Haringey.

Due to the speed Law was travelling at, the police helicopter continued to track him

He was spotted parking up in Manor Road, Barnet, and ran off through residential gardens, eventually hiding next to bins behind a garden gate. He was then arrested and subsequently charged.

Law pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court, to both robberies, possession of an offensive weapon and dangerous driving.

Yesterday (September 10), Law was jailed for five years and four months for the offences.

Although they were not injured, the victims in both incidents told officers that they feared for their lives because of the level of violence used by Law.

The victim at Zeyno’s Jewellers told police: “At the moment he grabbed my throat during our struggle, I thought to myself that I would be killed at this point. I was frightened. I couldn’t physically press the alarm; my brain locked down and all I wanted to do was get him out of the shop.”

In an impact statement the victim at Georgy’s Jewellers told police: “He pushed me behind the counter and to the back and at that moment I thought I was going to be killed. I was scared for myself and my family and that if something did happen to me, no one would find me.”

Investigating officer Detective Constable Paul Weaver, of the Flying Squad, said: “Law targeted lone jewellers and used physical violence and the threat of weapons to frighten them into submission. The victims continue to deal with the trauma of the robberies today, but I hope they find some reassurance in knowing that this man is now in prison.

“The pursuit of Law shows police work at its best, with officers collaborating to ensure we stop and hold to account those who would seek to harm our communities.”