A robber who was seen “sizing up potential victims” outside a Tube station before punching a man to the floor for his mobile phone, has been jailed for four years alongside a teenage accomplice.

his mobile phone, has been jailed for four years alongside a teenage accomplice.

Flavino Da Silva, 21, and a 15-year-old boy, attacked the 30-year-old man on Lettsom Walk on December 11 as he was walking toPlaistow tube station on his way to work.

They were caught by chance after an off-duty police officer noticed the two men “sizing up potential victims” while waiting for a friend outside the station.

After hearing the victim’s screams, he ran to the man’s aid and he was followed by Pc Greg Lee and Pc Frankie MacNair, two response team officers, were sat in stationary traffic nearby.

Da Silva, of Tomswood Hill, Hainault, and the teenager were seen running away and, despite jumping over two eight foot high walls, were caught by the officers hiding in a garden in Brooks Road.

They were arrested and found to be wearing the same clothing as the officer had described when he saw them at the station.

They were sentenced to four years and two years imprisonment at Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday.

Det Ch Insp Alan Moore, of the Serious Acquisitive Crime Unit, said: “Robbery is a serious crime and we will pursue anyone who uses threats and force to steal from innocent members of the public.

“The judge who handed down the sentences last week made it clear that the youth only received a lesser sentence for his part in the attack due to his age.”

Det Con Marie McCabe from Newham Robbery Squad used vital CCTV evidence which showed the offence taking place and the suspect’s distinctive clothing, which was identical to what they were wearing when they were arrested.

Da Silva pleaded not guilty to attempted robbery.