AN armed robber who threatened a taxi driver with a knife has been jailed for 11 years.

Khaleel Hart demanded £80 from the cabbie after being dropped off in Maple Road, Wrens Nest, on February 1.

The driver called police, who quickly tracked the 22-year-old robber to the Station Hotel in Castle Hill, where he was arrested.

But before he was taken into custody, Hart became aggressive and assaulted four officers.

Hart, of no fixed address, was convicted and jailed for the robbery when he appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday (November 9).

He had been sentenced to four months for assaulting the officers at a previous hearing.

DC Dave Laver, of Force CID, said: "This was a horrifying experience for the taxi driver while going about his normal line of work.

"You can’t underestimate the distress of being threatened with a knife and he showed a lot of composure to call us soon after.

"Officers were able to quickly establish where Hart may be and were able to arrest him within an hour."

He added: "We remain committed to tackling crime involving weapons and this substantial sentence should serve as a strong warning about the risks of carrying a weapon.

"He showed a complete disregard for officers with his violent behaviour against those who seek to protect the public and uphold the law."