A serial burglar and robber who carried out raids at convenience stores across south London has been jailed.

Paul Debenham, 31, was jailed for five years on Tuesday at Croydon Crown Court after pleading guilty to two robberies and six burglaries.

With both robberies he entered with his face covered and demanded cash, tobacco and alcohol from terrified staff.

Debenham, who was listed by the court as being homeless, carried out his crimes throughout October and November last year.

He targeted Tesco stores in Penge and Anerley, twice broke into the Tesco Express in Portland Road, South Norwood on November 11 and 17, and burgled Circle Off Licence on Middleton Road, Carshalton on November 12.

He robbed SN1 Food and Wine in Mitcham on November 9 and Premier Convenience Store, also in Mitcham, on November 12.

Debenham was arrested on December 2 in Birchanger Road, Croydon, after being linked to the offences through forensic evidence from the scenes of his crimes.