A bike-riding would-be robber has been jailed after he fell off while trying to snatch money from a woman using an ATM.

The victim became aware of bungling Andrew Mullen perched behind her as she used the cash machine in Canterbury High Street.

The 49-year-old grabbed her hand as she went to put the cash in her pocket.

The victim tried to crouch down to keep the money in her grasp before a struggle ensured in which Mullen elbowed the woman and then fell from his bike.

He rode off, while the victim went into the bank and the police were called following the attempted robbery on November 2.

Detectives managed to identify Mullen from CCTV images and he was arrested later that month.

When officers detained him, he was found to have a knife.

Mullen, of no fixed abode, was charged with the offences in December before admitting them in court in January.

He was handed a four-year sentence at the city's crown court on Thursday for attempted robbery and possession of a knife.

Investigating officer Det Con Daniel Moles said: “Kent Police is absolutely determined people should be able to enjoy the county's town and city centres without interference from people like Mullen.

“When offences of this kind are reported to us, we will move swiftly to identify those involved and bring them before the courts. I am pleased this sentence will take Mullen off the city's streets and protect others from his offending.”