A robber who stole money from people using cash machines was jailed for more than six years.

Robert Wilson, 38, was armed with a small knife when he and his accomplice, Dorryan Todd, 23, confronted Daniel Ramsden as he tried to withdraw cash from an ATM at the Morrisons store in Mayo Avenue last October.

Prosecutor Jeremy Hill-Baker told Bradford Crown Court that Mr Ramsden felt something being dragged across the back of his neck as Wilson demanded his money.

Mr Ramsden grabbed hold of the object and kicked out at Wilson who told him: “I've got a knife, you idiot.”

The court heard that because Mr Ramsden had started the transaction on the machine Todd was able to remove £200 from his account.

Mr Hill-Baker said Mr Ramsden suffered a cut to the middle finger of his left hand as a result of the incident.

Six days later Wilson, this time alone, spotted Julie Breen as she used the HSBC ATM machine on Manchester Road at about 10.30pm. As she waited for her money, Wilson asked if she could give him £1, but as her £120 was produced he grabbed it and ran off.

Mr Hill-Baker described how she bravely chased after Wilson, but when he turned to confront her he slapped her across the face.

“He continued his escape and she lost him as he headed off back to the flats where he lived,” said Mr Hill-Baker.

CCTV stills from the initial robbery featured on the West Yorkshire Police website. The court heard that both defendants were recognised.

The female victim later identified Wilson on the website and Todd was recognised by his own mother who contacted the police.

Wilson, of Hapsburg Court, Little Horton, and Todd, of Sherborne Road, Great Horton, both admitted a robbery charge in relation to the incident involving Mr Ramsden. Wilson also pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article, theft of the money in the second incident and common assault.

Judge Robert Bartfield heard that Wilson had a previous conviction for robbery in 2008 and he described the defendant as the “ringleader” in respect of the first incident.

“In my view this robbery puts you right at the top of the category or very close to it,” said Judge Bartfield as he jailed Wilson for a total of six years and seven months. Todd, who had limited previous convictions and played a secondary role in the robbery offence, was jailed for 32 months.

Judge Bartfield said Todd's mother deserved the utmost praise for contacting the police in his interests and those of the community.