Discarded jogging bottoms helped police trace a man who forced his way into a café, threatened a member of staff and demanded money.

Officers found the clothing worn by Paulo Sousa in shrubbery near the entrance of The Arboretum, Nottingham city centre.

The 38-year-old, who worked as a chef at a restaurant in West Bridgford, forced his way into the Arboretum Café, Waverley Street, on the morning January 3 this year.

A DNA profile taken from the bottoms proved a match for Sousa, who was traced thanks to a combination of forensic evidence from the recovered clothing and CCTV.

The victim, who was preparing to open up, heard the door handle go and she unlocked it assuming it was a delivery driver.

When she realised this wasn't the case, she tried to close the door but Sousa forced it open.

He pushed her into the café before grabbing her around her shoulders and pinning her arm to her side.

Sousa, formerly of Sneinton Boulevard, demanded money and, when the victim said she didn’t have access to any, he pressed what police described as "a sharp object" against her cheek while repeating his demands and threatening to harm her.

He then pushed her into the toilet and onto the floor while continuing to demand money before reaching down and taking her mobile phone from her coat pocket.

He told her to stay there before leaving the café.

Scared Sousa might still be around, she waited a short time before checking and calling the police to report the robbery.

She suffered a gash to her elbow and needed stitches in hospital.

The victim’s stolen phone was found discarded in bushes in the city beauty spot, with the help of a police dog.

Following Sousa’s arrest, officers searched his home and recovered a quantity of cannabis.

He pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of cannabis.

Jailed for three years and nine months at Nottingham Crown Court on April 2, he was also made the subject of a 10-year restraining order, banning him from entering the area.

Speaking after the sentencing Detective Constable Natasha Ullyatt, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “In addition to the forensic evidence initially gathered, phone cell site work and further forensic work implicated Sousa resulting in his early guilty plea.

“This was a terrifying experience for the victim who thankfully wasn’t seriously hurt.

“I hope that, now Sousa has been jailed and been given a lengthy restraining order, it provides her with some comfort.

“I also hope it provides people with reassurance that Nottinghamshire Police treats robbery and weapon-enabled crime extremely seriously and will do everything in its power to bring violent offenders to justice.”