Jay Archibald, 23, of Loampit Vale, Lewisham was hunted down after being identified on social media trying to cash-in on his crime.
Southwark Crown Court heard he approached the 17 year-old victim on the platform of busy Stratford station, east London on Friday, June 28, 2024 and threatened the youth.
The boy was in possession of an e-bike, worth £1500 and e-scooter, worth £700
Archibald approached and grabbed the bike’s handlebars, asking how many volts it had and where the victim was from.
He said the bike was his now and demanded the victim hand it over, threatening to hurt him if he failed to release bike or if he got him arrested.
The victim, feeling threatened, handed over the bike and Archibald took it along with the e-scooter before getting on a Jubilee Line train.
A few days later, on Tuesday July 2, a friend of the victim saw his bike posted on social media by an account selling it.
The victim recognised the bike as the one Archibald had taken and on other images on the same social media account the victim recognised Archibald.
After the incident was reported to British Transport Police, officers attempted to locate Archibald and carried out several arrest attempts at different addresses he was linked with.
He was eventually arrested on Friday November 29, 2024 and refused to answer any questions in police interview.
Archibald was charged and eventually pleaded guilty to robbery.
Detective Constable Olesia Berdova said: "I am very pleased with the outcome of this investigation.
“Archibald preyed on a teenager travelling alone, believing he would be an easy target.
“The incident had a massive impact on the victim and his sense of safety and security when travelling on the railway network.
“Thanks to his bravery and support, we have been able to bring Archibald to justice, and I hope that the lengthy prison sentence handed down provides some measure of peace and closure for the victim and his family.”
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