A man has been jailed for for attempting to commit a cash in transit robbery in Deptford.

Matthew Missenden, 56, of Hazel Grove, was charged on June 20 with one count of attempted robbery.

He was convicted following a week-long trial at Woolwich Crown Court and sentenced on December 5.

Police were called to reports of an attempted cash in transit robbery of a G4S guardian on May 14 outside a supermarket in Deptford High Street.

The custodian was delivering a cashbox when he was approached by Missenden who was armed with a hammer.

Missenden gestured for the cashbox to be handed over, but when the custodian revealed the box was empty Missenden fled the scene.

Detectives from the Met’s Flying Squad launched an investigation. Extensive review of CCTV footage showed Missenden escaped in a green vehicle. Officers traced the registration to Missenden’s home address where he was arrested on June 20.

Missenden was on life licence at the time of this offence after being released from custody in 2016 having served a sentence for a series of gun-enabled robberies.

Detective Constable David Crewe from the Met’s Flying Squad said: “Missenden is a prolific offender who has no respect for the law or the criminal justice system. At the time of this offence he was on licence having been released from a custodial sentence he received for similar offences.

“Missenden showed no concern for the welfare of the custodian merely carrying out his day job, or other members of the public around him, when he attempted this robbery armed with a weapon.

“This case should send a clear message to those considering carrying out these audacious crimes that we will track you down and bring you to justice.”