A robber who used an imitation gun to steal from an Islington antiques store has been jailed for 10 years.

Wayne Black, 46, of Rawstorne Street, Finsbury, entered Wax Antiques in Camden Passage on November 26 2012 armed with what looked like a small revolver and wearing a crash helmet and said “this is a robbery”.

He pointed the weapon at shop owner Lou Wax, before taking him in to a back room and tying him up while an accomplice stood guard.

The duo then made off with five antique silver trays but the robbery was called short when the pair were disturbed.

Police officers from the Flying Squad based at Finchley investigated and managed to obtain both forensic and mobile phone evidence linking Black to the scene. He was arrested on Wednesday 16 January and charged the same day with robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

Black was found guilty of robbery and possession of an imitation firearm at a trial in July and sentenced to 10 years in prison at Woolwich Crown Court yesterday (January 15).

Mr Wax, who gave evidence at the trial, today said that he was “just pleased it’s concluded.”

He added: “I just want to put the whole thing behind me and I’m glad it’s all over.”

Detective Chief Inspector Harry Hennigan, from the Flying Squad, said: “Wayne Black used violent behaviour to threaten a defenceless shop owner during this robbery. I am sure it is only by chance that no one was seriously injured.

“Black was described as a ‘career criminal’ during court proceedings - this lengthy prison sentence shows that the courts take this type of offence seriously and those arrested by police will feel the full force of the law.”

The second suspect remains outstanding. Enquiries continue to identify this man.