A KNIFEMAN who carried out two armed raids on shops and set fire to a car in a revenge attack was today (Monday) jailed for six years.

Hooded yob Stephen Charlton terrified workers in both east Cleveland stores as he struck twice within a week in the early morning.

The 20-year-old escaped with £140 in cash and cigarettes in the first robbery, and more than £500 in the second, a court heard.

Charlton, of Windsors Court, Grangetown, Middlesbrough, told police after his arrest: "I was off my f***ing head on tablets."

Judge Michael Taylor, sitting at Teesside Crown Court, told him: "These were truly terrifying incidents - all too common in this area."

Defence lawyer, Zoe Passfield, said Charlton started drinking heavily and taking drugs after encountering problems in his relationship.

He threatened a lone worker at Premier Family Mart on High Street, Lingdale, at 6am on August 15, saying: "Give me the money."

The woman fled into a back room and barricaded a door, while Charlton helped himself to cash from the till and cigarettes.

Five days later, at 6.30am, he struck at a Sainsbury's store in Larkspur Road, Redcar, and again showed the blade he had.

He warned the frightened female assistant not to press a panic alarm, and told her: "Empty your till and fill a bag full of money."

Advancing towards the worker, he grabbed packets of cigarettes off the shelf and fled, prosecutor David Crook told the court.

One victim said she feared being seriously or mortally wounded, while another now panics every time she sees someone with a hood.

Miss Passfield said: "He is honest enough to say he was under the influence of drink and drugs in all of these offences.

"He bitterly regrets the manner of his conduct . . . he found himself with financial difficulties and acted out-of-character.

"He is starting to rebuild his relationship, and his partner stands by him and has been visiting him with their young child."

In May, Charlton torched a car belonging to a neighbour with whom he had a grudge, Mr Crook told the judge.

He admitted arson, two charges of robbery and two of possessing a bladed article at earlier court hearings.