A “violent and cowardly” robber dragged a delivery driver out of her van and threw her on the floor as he tried to steal the vehicle.

The victim had got into the driver’s seat after taking a parcel to a home in Ingoldsby Road, Gravesend, when she was approached by the offender.

Shaun Mitchell then grabbed her clothing and dragged her out of the van before throwing her to the floor.

The 48-year-old then jumped into the vehicle and attempted to turn on the ignition.

When the engine did not start, the victim reached in and pulled out the key before fleeing to a nearby house.

Mitchell then stole some parcels from the passenger seat and left on foot.

Police were called and CCTV footage was seized that clearly showed the suspect’s face.

Mitchell, of Thistle Road, Gravesend, was tracked down and arrested on January 8 and was later selected in an identification procedure and charged with robbery.

Officers also seized the white hooded top he wore when he committed the offence on November 30.

He pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court and was sentenced to three years and two months' imprisonment on Tuesday, April 29.

Detective Constable Andrew Saunders, of the north Kent CID, said: “Mitchell is a violent and cowardly bully who thought he could steal a van full of parcels by assaulting the woman driver.

“He was foiled by the tenacious victim who saw her chance to grab the vehicle keys when the engine did not initially start up. She should be commended for her brave actions.

“Once we had recovered CCTV footage that allowed us to identify him, it was only a matter of time before he was arrested and brought to justice. Gravesend will be a safer place in his absence.”