A robber who invited his victim back to a Watford flat before battering him with a metal bar and stealing his belongings has been jailed for 12 years.

Daniel Johnson, 28, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Tuesday January 16 after admitting the offence at a previous hearing.

The attack happened in the early hours of June 5 when the victim, a 42-year-old man from St Albans and his girlfriend, were invited back to a flat in Wilmington Close.

He was hit to the head with a metal bar, punched and kicked during a sustained attack.

Johnson, of no fixed abode, then stole the victim’s wallet and mobile phone before the victim and his girlfriend managed to escape.

Following the sentencing Detective Constable Andy Amos, who was part of the team who investigated the case, said: “This was nasty, unprovoked attack which left the victim with serious injuries. Daniel Johnson has admitted his guilt and been given a sentence which reflects the crime he committed.

“A number of officers and staff from a number of teams in the force worked hard to bring this case to justice and I would like to thank each of them for their hard work and determination.”