A teenager used a knife to rob a convenience store after trying to raid a chip shop with an iron bar. Brandon Jenkins targeted Owen Stores and Sammy's Fish Bar in Merthyr Tydfil.
The 18-year-old armed himself with a blade and concealed his face with a scarf on October 14 as he entered Owen Stores in The Green in Trefechan. He left a shop worker "terrified" as he stole £700, said a South Wales Police spokesman.
Less than 24 hours earlier Jenkins had gone into the fish bar in nearby Cefn-coed-y-cymmer and approached the counter with an iron bar. He was confronted by a member of staff and then left without taking anything.
READ MORE: Get the latest court cases sent to your email inbox with our Crime and Punishment newsletter
Police found and arrested Jenkins hours after the Owen Stores robbery. The teen, of no fixed address, appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court where he admitted robbery, attempted robbery, and possessing an offensive weapon. He was locked up for four years and four months.
Detective inspector Matt Hicks said: “There is absolutely no place for this kind of behaviour in our community and Brandon Jenkins should be ashamed by his actions. He showed a total disregard for the law and the welfare of others as he walked into two businesses armed with a knife and iron bar and threatened staff for purely selfish gains.
“Thankfully nobody was injured in either incident and Jenkins left empty-handed but his frightening behaviour could have caused long-term effects for his victims. I am pleased that the severity of his crimes have been reflected in this sentence and hope he uses this time behind bars to think carefully about the consequences of his actions.”
READ NEXT:
Scandal-hit police force slammed for refusing to release video of officer hitting man in bar
Anger over 'obscene' £70-an-hour job ad for reserve firefighters
Singer claims police got into his car in Cardiff and punched him as he 'feared for his life'
- 'I had no idea my violent ex was a convicted domestic abuser'
Two shops forced to shut as raids discover huge stash of illegal tobacco and vapes
You can sign up to our regular Crime and Punishment newsletter here while this interactive tool allows you to check the latest crime statistics for your area:
