A man who threatened and took money off two teenagers on a train between Victoria and Clapham Junction was jailed for 36 months last week.

Urim Shalah, 23, of Mitcham Road, Croydon, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, February 22 after pleading guilty to two counts of blackmail.

He targeted the youngsters, just 16 at the time, in May 2007, by asking if they had any “crow”, or drugs, and then demanding five pounds.

He threatened them with violence and made them hand over £12.50 before the train pulled in at Clapham Junction.

Detective Constable Paula Eustace, of British Transport Police (BTP), said: “This was a distressing ordeal for the two victims, who were simply trying to make their way home.

“The threatening behaviour that Shalah used to obtain the money from them was appalling and we welcome the sentence he has received.

“I hope the prison sentence handed down sends out a clear message about the severe consequences for those who think it is acceptable to target innocent people.”

The court heard how Shalah was recognised and identified after CCTV stills of him onboard the train were circulated on police intelligence systems.

He was then arrested and charged by police in Croydon, but he pleaded not guilty at Southwark Crown Court in 2008.

He was granted bail after swearing on his baby’s life that he would plead guilty the next day but failed to return.

Just over a year later Shalah was stopped by BTP officers at Clapham Junction rail station, with a routine check on the Police National Computer revealing his wanted status.

He was arrested and remanded in custody and this time pleaded guilty to the two offences.