A man who armed himself with a hedge trimmer to rob and injure a taxi driver has been jailed.

Edmund Brazil, of Cockering Road, Canterbury, used the garden tool to steal the driver's bag.

It is understood that after using the taxi, Brazil got out of the car in Lower Road, Faversham, in July last year and went to the boot of the vehicle where he had stowed the hedge trimmer.

The 40-year-old then went around the corner under pretence of going to get money to pay for the fare, and fired up the engine of the trimming device.

He then smashed the window of the taxi with the hedge trimmer and pushed it through the window, threatening the driver, who received cuts to his hand as he tried to protect himself.

Brazil then leant into the vehicle and stole a bag containing a quantity of cash.

Two weeks later, he went on to commit three burglaries in three days in Sittingbourne.

Between Monday 5 and Wednesday, August 7, he targeted properties in Windmill Road, Roberts Close and Woollett Road.

He would knock and ask for a glass of water, before entering and stealing from the residents.

On two occasions he forced his way into the properties.

However, CCTV evidence and witness identification later linked Brazil to the robbery and the burglaries and he was arrested.

At Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, he pleased guilty to three counts of burglary, one count of robbery and one count of being in possession of an offensive weapon.

"Justice has been served and he can no longer pose a threat to the Swale community"

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

PC Ben Shove of North Kent CID said: "Brazil is a dangerous offender who was prepared to use violence in order to steal from others.

"As well as undertaking a terrifying attack on a taxi driver, on two other occasions he assaulted residents in order to force his way into their homes.

"Thankfully justice has been served and he can no longer pose a threat to the Swale community."

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