Three men have been handed hefty prison sentences for a series of robberies.
At Preston Crown Court, Joseph Powell, Christopher Newsham and Paul Clarke were sentenced to five years six months, three years three months and two years respectively.
Joseph Powell, 18 from Lostock Hall, pleaded guilty to three robberies, a thef
t and possession of an offensive weapon.
Each of the robberies were committed in Lostock Hall. The first was on February 23 on Leigh Brow, when Powell and a group of associates approached the victim and punched and kicked him until he handed over his mobile phone before kicking and punching him again and making off.
The second robbery Powell was involved in was later the same day at Walton park where again, Powell and his group approached small group of young people and asked them to hand over their mobile phones.
One of the young people made off on foot but was caught up by Powell and his group and was punched in the face, he handed over his phone.
The third robbery was committed on the March 5 on Watkin Lane with Christopher Newsham and two other men. Newsham and Powell entered the off-licence premises with the two other men removed alcohol from the display property and approached the cashier brandishing a six inch knife and demanded the cash till drawer be opened; however, the four were disturbed by the shop's owner and made off.
The theft was committed at another off licence, again with Christopher Newsham earlier the same day where they selected alcohol from a display, concealed it in a black bin bag and left the store.
Christopher Newsham, 19, also from Lostock Hall pleaded guilty to the robbery at the off licence on Watkin Lane and the theft, both carried out with Powell. He also pleaded guilty to a robbery which took place on Longridge Road in Ribbleton in April.
Overnight on Apri 3l, Newsham and Paul Clarke with another man approached a fast food delivery driver on Roman Way, Longridge Road and asked him for a lift.
The victim agreed and three offenders have entered the vehicle. When the victim parked up to let the three men out of vehicle, they demanded that he empty his pockets.
One of the men has then pushed the victim back into vehicle before punching him numerous times to the head and face, he then used a beer bottle to hit him over the head then the three have removed property from his pockets and left the scene.
Paul Clarke, 18, from Longridge, pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to this robbery, and a further affray and criminal damage committed in Penwortham and Preston.
Detective Inspector Marc Nasser of Leyland CID said, "I would like to reassure the public that these instances of robbery are rare, and we are looking at a specific group of people, three of whom are now behind bars and the remainder of which we are determined to catch up with
"This should give a clear message that if you commit robberies in the South Ribble and Preston area, we will find you and seek significant custodial sentences.
"I would also like to thank the community for their support in providing the information to help bring these three to justice and would urge any one with any further information to come forward and contact police on 08451 25 35 45 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
