A FIRST-TIME offender who threatened to stab a man while drunk has been jailed for 16 months.

Jaspoul Singh, 26, of Bowden Road, Walthamstow, was convicted of attempted robbery and sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court.

Singh approached a 49-year-old man in Killick Street, Islington, grabbed his tie and dragged him 50 metres down the street.

He shouted racist abuse and threatened to stab him unless he hand over his bag.

Singh punched the man in the face, who managed to run away and call the police.

Singh did not manage to steal anything during the attack, which happened on October 1 at about 3.30am and was captured on CCTV.

Jailing him, the judge said that although he was a first-time offender his drunken state was no excuse for an attack on an innocent man.

In a statement released today, investigating officer Trainee Det Con Marcus Johnson, of Islington CID, said: “This is a stark warning to anyone contemplating a criminal or violent path.

“Even if it is your first offence you may be jailed for a significant period of time. That you were drunk when you committed the crime is no excuse."

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