A Wandsworth thief who disguised himself as a Deliveroo driver to commit robberies has been jailed.

Michael Ahmed, 25, of Grayshott Road, wore a Deliveroo jacket and carried a branded delivery bag whilst committing a string of violent moped robberies using a stun gun, in the hope his appearance would deter police from stopping him.

He was sentenced today at Southwark Crown Court to five years' imprisonment for robbery, attempted robbery and possession of a stun gun.

Detective Constable Simon Pleavin, from Operation Venice, said: "Michael Ahmed was ruthless in his attempts to rob unsuspecting people and was prepared to inflict harm on them by using a stunning device.

"Police are taking every opportunity to arrest and prosecute those involved in moped-enabled crime as this result proves. Ahmed's lengthy sentence curtails his violent offending and he faces the next few years in prison.

"Our officers are committed to keeping the public safe and are determined that such offenders are brought to justice."

In addition to his disguise, Ahmed taped up a letter and digit on his moped's registration plate to avoid detection by police and ANPR cameras.

At 12.20am on November 30 last year, Ahmed got off his moped on Lancelot Place in Westminster and walked up to a 17-year-old who was parking his car, threatening him with a stun gun and demanding his watch.

The victim ran away as Ahmed began searching the car, taking the keys before leaving the scene.

A short time later, at 12.43am, Ahmed pulled up outside Carlton Tower on Cadogan Place in Kensington and Chelsea, approaching a 25-year-old man who was parking his car.

Ahmed demanded he hand over his possessions and tried to stun him with the device. A struggle ensued in which the victim felt a sharp pain in his right hand. Despite this, he managed to disarm Ahmed, who ran back to his moped and fled.

Investigating detectives from Operation Venice, which is dedicated to tackling moped crime, took DNA from the stun device and positively identified Ahmed as the perpetrator of both crimes.

Officers also searched an address in Wandsworth associated with Ahmed, seizing his motorcycle helmet, jacket and delivery bag.

The moped was found across the street, hidden under a cover.

On December 2018 17, officers searched an address on Huntingfield Road in Wandsworth where they found him hiding in the loft.

He was arrested on suspicion of robbery, attempted robbery, possession of a Section 5 firearm, two counts of burglary and aggravated vehicle taking.

He was remanded to court, appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on December 19.