A thug threatened to stab a man who met up with him to sell some clothes he had listed on Facebook Marketplace.
Reiss Fletcher, of Bridge Street, Birkenhead, had arranged to meet the victim in Chester after agreeing to purchase items of clothing on January, 18 this year.
On Saturday, January 23, a similar arrangement was made again for a pair of jeans, shoes and a belt, with the exchange taking place at Victoria Road, Chester.
Cheshire Police said the "frightening incident" took place in front of the victim's son who was in the car at the time.
In a statement today, Cheshire Police said: "The victim waited in his car with his 12-year-old son and phoned Fletcher to let him know he had arrived.
"Fletcher appeared from a nearby building and got into the passenger seat of the vehicle.
"Once the victim had unwrapped a pair of shoes, Fletcher made demands for all the goods within the car. He then threatened to stab the victim if he didn’t hand the clothes over.
"The victim clicked the car door open and told Fletcher to leave. He then fled to a nearby residential building, leaving behind his slipper.
"The victim then called police who swiftly arrived on scene and managed to detain Fletcher in a nearby flat."
Following a search of the property, officers found Phillip Plein trainers and a Louis Vuitton bag – which had been sold to Fletcher at an earlier date.
A knife similar to the blade described by the victim was also found and Fletcher was questioned and subsequently charged with robbery and threatening a person with a bladed article.
The 20-year-old was sentenced to five years in prison on Wednesday at Chester Crown Court, after pleading guilty to robbery and threatening a person with a bladed article at an earlier hearing.
Detective Constable Scott Buckley said: "This was a frightening incident not only for the victim but his young son who was in the car at the time of Fletcher’s threats.
"Fletcher had no regard for the victim or his son, initially denying that he had threatened the pair during interview with officers.
"It is important for people to be cautious when buying or selling items online and arranging to meet up - think of the potential dangers and be alert.
"I would like to thank the officers who helped bring this case to court and the victim for assisting us in our investigation.
"I hope this sentence acts as a deterrent to anyone who feels that they can travel to Cheshire and commit crime."
