TWO teenage thugs who targeted two newsagents in two hours have been jailed.

Frankie Whittington and Seamus Dyson, both 19, threatened a member of staff with a screwdriver as they demanded he hand over the money in the shop’s till.

The Argus:

The yobs snatched a small amount of cash then ordered him to open the shop’s safe.

A second sum was handed over then the thieves made off, running from the scene in Meopham, Kent, before being seen driving away in a silver Peugeot 208.

Just 90 minutes earlier the pair had attempted a similar robbery at a newsagent in Groombridge, near Tunbridge Wells.

The Argus:

But they were spooked by the shop’s alarm and ran from the scene.

The incidents happened on April 2.

After seeing CCTV of the two incidents police said it “became apparent the same offenders were involved” as the same clothing had been worn on both occasions and the same car had been seen travelling to both shops.

The pair covered their faces while committing the robberies but CCTV captured them walking in a nearby road and wielding a weapon in a street near the second shop.

The Argus:

A police officer, who had had previous dealings with Dyson, immediately identified him and he was located at an address in Strood two days later.

Gloves worn by both offenders were found at the property he was staying. A car key for the Peugeot 208 was also found at the address along with a quantity of cash.

The Argus:

Whittington was located at his home address on the same day.

Both men admitted their roles and were sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on July 12.

Whittington, of Wilson Avenue in Brighton, pleaded guilty to robbery and attempted robbery.

He was sentenced to three years imprisonment for these offences. In addition to this, he will serve an additional year in custody for unrelated offences committed in Sussex.

Dyson, of Peall Road, Croydon, pleaded guilty to robbery and attempted robbery. He was sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment.

Detective Constable Rebecca Ward, Kent Police’s investigating officer for the case, said: “These two men have shown they are prepared to use violence against innocent members of the public for their own gain.

“The victims of this case had every reason to fear their lives, they were in immediate danger, and I am pleased that the custodial sentences imposed means the offenders are unable to target other people in a similar way.”