A ROBBER from Hatfield, who went by the name “Mad Mitch”, has been jailed.

Lee Mitchell, 21, was sentenced to four years in prison for two robberies, possession of a weapon and burglary, at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday.

Mitchell, from Cecil Close, received three years for a robbery on New Year’s Day this year, when a 27-year-old man was hit with a metal rod and had his cash stolen in an attack on Great North Road, Hatfield.

He was given six months for a second robbery on January 3, when a man was threatened with a mallet and orderd to hand over his phone and wallet.

And Mitchell was given a further six months for a burglary in Bovingdon in 2008, in which he stole a car.

Seven other offences were taken into consideration.

Detective constable Mike Lawrence said: “Mitchell threatened these men with violence – and in the robbery on January 1 left the victim with injuries.

“These robberies had a negative impact on the local community and it was imperative we found the man responsible. Because of the seriousness of the offences, he got a substantial custodial sentence, and we hope this not only reassures our victims, but the wider community.”