A knife-wielding thug who carried out a string of robbery offences across Redbridge and Havering has had his sentencing pushed back after pleading guilty to a further charge of blackmail.

Ross Dawson, 32, of no fixed address, was due to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, August 17, after pleading guilty to three counts of robbery and one aggravated burglary at previous hearings.

But at the last minute that sentencing was postponed after Dawson also accepted a further charge of blackmail.

A new date has not yet been set for his sentencing.

At previous hearings the court heard how Dawson used a knife to threaten his victims - including an 84-year-old woman - stealing money and cars.

Dawson was identified and arrested on the August 3 last year and subsequently charged with the above offences.

At the time of the offences he was wanted on a recall to prison, having failed to comply with the conditions of this release.