Two men who posed as ‘good samaritans’ before stealing from a Malaysian student in Barking during last summer’s riots have been jailed.

Reece Donovan, 22, of Milton Court, Cross Road, Chadwell Heath, was sentenced to a total of five years - three and a half years for robbery, 18 months for violent disorder and 18 months for burglary (the last two counts to run concurrently).

John Kafunda, 22, of Eastwood Road, Ilford, was sentenced to three and a half years for robbery and nine months for violent disorder, to run consecutively.

On August 8 last year, Ashraf Rossli and a friend were charged at by a group of around 100 individuals as they pushed their bikes along Queen’s Road.

During the melee the pair were separated and the victim pushed off his bike before being assaulted by a number of suspects who then stole his bike.

A second group of suspects approached the victim and helped him up, before rifling through his rucksack.

The victim was later taken to the Royal London Hospital suffering multiple facial injuries, including a broken jaw.

Donovan was arrested three days later in connection with the robbery and charged.

He was seen to open the victim’s bag and remove a mobile phone and Sony PSP before walking off. Kafunda had distracted the victim while Donovan robbed him.

Giving evidence in court, Mr Rossli – an accountancy student - said: “I was sat on the pavement with blood pouring from my mouth.

“I remember being approached by a male who asked if I was OK. I remember being pulled to my feet, then I felt someone again tugging at my rucksack.

“I was not in a position to defend myself and was still suffering from the effects of being hit. Once they had taken what they wanted they left.”

Donovan was also charged with the Tesco burglary as part of a group of between 20 and 30 hooded and scarved youths who attacked the store, causing extensive damage to windows and stealing thousands of pounds worth of goods.

Last week, Beau Isagba, of Icknield Drive, Ilford, was jailed for seven years for attacking Mr Rossli.