Justice has finally caught up with a Chatham man who went on the run to Australia more than two years ago.

John Matthew Baker, of Slade Close, fled the country in a bid to escape an attempted robbery charge while on police bail.

But the 21-year-old was arrested at Heathrow airport and has now been jailed for a total of five years.

He was charged with attempted robbery on the Co-Op in Kestrel Road, Chatham, on March 14, 2008 in which he demanded cash from a female cashier – but left empty handed.

Baker fled the country while on bail as a police investigation continued.

He was arrested when he finally returned to the UK in January 2010 and initially denied attempted robbery.

But he has now changed his plea to guilty – and also admitted separate robbery and burglary offences committed while back in Medway.

Baker was also charged with failing to surrender to police.

Investigating officer DC Graham Leighton, of Medway Police, said: "Baker showed a clear disregard for the police and courts and fled the country in an attempt to escape justice.

"This case should send a clear message that we do not give up on wanted offenders and have the ability to pursue cases to the very end."

In a separate case, Baker was charged with robbery and burglary at a property in Balmoral Road, Gillingham, on October 19 last year.

He was at a flat inside the address with a man and a woman. After drinking a large amount of alcohol, Baker violently assaulted the man, punching him, stabbing him with a fork and making threats to kill him.

Baker then broke into the man’s room by stealing a key and stole a laptop, USB drive and bottle of aftershave.

He was sentenced together for all the charges at Maidstone Crown Court.

Craig Hewitt, who investigated the incident, said: "Baker carried out a very nasty and sustained attack on a man who was very fearful for his safety.

"Fortunately, the victim was not seriously injured, but he was extremely shaken by the robbery.

"Baker has proved that he is a dangerous offender, so we are pleased that he has been jailed, not only for this offence in Gillingham, but also the attempted robbery he committed so long ago."

He was jailed for two years eight months for the attempted robbery in 2008 and two years four months for the robbery and burglary last year, to be served consecutively.