A man from Newbury has been jailed for a robbery that saw him drag his victim across a footbridge.

Matthew Holmes, aged 31, of Charles Street, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery at Reading Crown Court on Monday. 

On September 11 this year, Holmes approached the victim, a man in his forties, who was walking on the overbridge of the A339 in Newbury.

Holmes demanded money from the victim and threatened to hurt him if he did not hand over money.

He then pulled the victim to the ground by his hoodie, dragged him along the bridge whilst kicking him, and stole cash and cigarettes.

The victim sustained cuts to his hand.

Holmes was arrested on September 23 and charged on September 23. 

At a sentencing hearing, Holmes was put behind bars for three years and three months in prison.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Molly Holland, based at Newbury police station, said: “This is a very positive outcome for the victim and will have positive effects on the community who should be able to walk around without the fear of being robbed.

“These types of offences leave long lasting impacts on victims and will not be tolerated.”