A VIOLENT Kingswinford robber who struck while on bail for possessing a loaded gun has been jailed for eight years.

Long-time crook Gavin Oliver, aged 25, was caged at Wolverhampton Crown Court today (Tuesday September 23) after he admitted stealing jewellery at knife point.

During the attack Oliver snatched a gold neck chain from his young victim who was punched and threatened with violence.

A short time before the robbery Oliver, along with a second man, had been caught in possession of cannabis with a street value of over £1,200.

The court heard drug dealing paraphernalia including electric scales and plastic bags was also recovered from their car by the officers.

Oliver quickly ran from the scene but the officers then heard a "metallic clang" and they recovered the prohibited firearm.

Jas Mann, prosecuting, said Oliver surrendered himself to police a few days later and he was allowed bail prior to his appearance before Magistrates,.

Oliver of Auckland Road admitted robbery, possessing a prohibited pistol, possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate and also possessing an offensive weapon.

He further admitted possessing cannabis, a controlled drug, with intent to supply and he was told by Judge John Warner only a substantial sentence was appropriate.

The Judge jailed Oliver for five years for the firearms offences and he ruled he must serve a further three years for the knife point robbery.

Robert Hodgkinson, defending, said Oliver accepted he was “aggressive and violent” and he had a real insight into his problems.

Mr Hodgkinson said: “He is sorry for what he has done and he wants help so he can turn the corner, he wants to go back to the days when he was a decent young man.”

Oliver’s criminal career began in his teenage years, in 2003 he was given a community punishment order and instructed to carry out 180-hours unpaid work for using threatening words and behaviour.

In 2004 he was handed another community order for assaulting a police officer.