A Folkestone man will spend Christmas behind bars after being jailed for 18 months for a knifepoint robbery on a driver who gave him a lift home.

Darren Griffin, 21, of Albert Roaddenied robbery but was found guilty following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

The court had heard that Griffin pulled out a bread knife when he was being dropped off in Park Farm Road after a party in June.

He threatened to stab the 25-year-old man from Hawkinge, who he knew, and demanded he hand over his wallet.

Following a struggle outside the car. Griffin kneed the driver in the face, leaving him with a black eye, before escaping with cash from his wallet.

He was arrested three days later and when interviewed by officers tried to claim that he was the victim.

Det Con Darren Brough said: "The victim in this case was a vulnerable individual targeted by Griffin and I would commend his bravery in standing up to his assailant both at the time and during the court process.

"The result and sentence indicates that Kent Police and the criminal justice system will deal seriously with individuals who choose to use knives to commit crimes of violence."