THREE men have been jailed for more than ten years for their part in a series of robberies, including a raid on a bookmakers.

Wayne Rogan and Jonathon Whitworth received four years each, while a third co-accused, Dean Jenkins was given a two year, eight month prison term.

Rogan and Jenkins, who has 119 past offences on his record, pushed and punched a deputy manager at Coral bookmakers in Vicarage Gardens, Hartlepool, on November 24 last year.

Rogan also made a threat of “Get the knife”, although no weapon was produced, prosecutor Emma Atkinson told Teesside Crown Court.

The duo stole £479 in cash, having demanded more money, before fleeing. The victim said he genuinely thought they had a knife and feared he would stabbed and die.

Rogan, who has three previous convictions for robbery, was involved in stealing £32 worth of lager and cider from the Lifestyle off-licence in Hart Lane, the previous day, along with Whitworth.

An hour and-a-half later they attacked a drug dealer in the town after a deal went sour, Whitworth punching him in the face and Rogan grabbing him and forcing him out of his van. They then drove off in the vehicle.

The dealer fell to the floor and was kicked by Rogan who said he’d been lucky.

Ms Atkinson detailed another incident on November 25 in which Whitworth pulled a knife on a car driver parked outside the Sainsbury’s store in Murray Street, Hartlepool, and threatened to cut him up.

Whitworth, who was accompanied by a woman, Zara Brogden, tried to remove the car keys and slammed the car door, striking the victim on the head. They stole the Citroen car with Brogden getting in the passenger seat.

Dan Cordey, for Whitworth, of Eton Street, Hartlepool, who admitted two robberies, theft and possession of a knife, said the 30-year-old’s record was not characterised by serious violent offences and he was “not without hope”.

Paul Cleasby, for Rogan, 32, of Arkley Crescent, Hartlepool, who admitted two robberies and theft, argued he was not dangerous, but could be persistent and aggressive.

Stephen Constantine, mitigating for 31-year-old Jenkins, of Church Street, Hartlepool, who pleaded guilty to robbery, said he wanted to make plans to lead a normal, law abiding lifestyle.

Jailing the trio, Recorder William Lowe said they had been “very serious crimes”.

Brogden, 32, of Bruntoft Avenue, Hartlepool, admitted theft and handling stolen goods and received a 12 month community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement.