A prolific knifepoint robber, described as a danger to the public, has been given an extended nine-year sentence.

Matthew Judson, 29, robbed a man on his way home from work – only days after being released from prison for similar offences.

Jailing him yesterday, Judge Jonathan Rose told him: “You are undoubtedly a danger to the public. Your antecedent history demonstrates your favoured crime is robbery, and robbery with a knife.

“You know you are dangerous. It is only good fortune you haven’t injured somebody.”

Sentencing Judson to six years’ imprisonment, with an extended period of three years on licence, Judge Rose said the defendant had written him a letter which was a powerful piece of writing.

He added: “If this letter is genuine, you at least recognise what an unhappy state of affairs it is.”

Prosecutor Robert Galley told Bradford Crown Court Judson robbed a man, as he made his way home from work, only four days after being released from prison from a five-year sentence for robbery.

The victim, Nicky Ward, was walking near the arches close to Forster Square Station, checking train times on his iPhone, when he was confronted by Judson, who was with another man.

The defendant demanded Mr Ward’s phone and produced a seven-inch knife which he held close to his stomach. The complainant handed over his phone.

Judson, formerly of Shelley Grove, Four Lane Ends, Bradford, pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery.

Mr Galley said the defendant had previous convictions for theft from the person and robbery, and had served three custodial sentences for knife robberies.

Judson’s solicitor advocate, Philip Ainge, said his client was genuinely ashamed and contrite.

One of the root causes of his offending was drug addiction, but he had expressed a genuine desire to change his ways and had been accepted for a drug rehabilitation course in prison.

Judge Rose said Judson had never stabbed anyone but the fact he had a knife and was with another man in the dark, added to the victim’s terror.