A violent robber who was caught as a direct result of social media appeals is facing 12 years behind bars tonight (Monday, September 15).

Jahone Issa Allen, 24, of Uxbridge, appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, July 25, where he admitted robbery, GBH with intent and theft from an ATM machine.

At the same court he was locked up for 12 years today (Monday).

Allen had been arrested and charged on Tuesday, July 1.

He was nabbed following a concerted Twitter campaign in which www.getwestlondon.co.uk and Hillingdon Police ‘tweeted’ CCTV images of Allen at a cashpoint shortly after he had viciously attacked a man and stolen his bank card.

Allen had committed the robbery at about 9.30am on May 9 in Tudor Road, Hayes.

Officers arrested him two days later and he was charged the same day.

At the time, Detective Chief Inspector Richard Turner of Hillingdon CID said: “Allen has today admitted his role in this violent robbery which left an innocent victim with appalling injuries.

“With the help of the community we were able to identify and locate Allen quickly. We have no doubt that our Twitter appeal was a powerful tool in the successful outcome of this enquiry.

“We welcome the community to follow us on @MPSHillingdon and help support our fight against crime.”