A TEENAGE boy will spend 12 months locked up and will receive training after admitting to carrying out a robbery and an attempted robbery in Leigh.

The 16-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, received concurrent sentences at Basildon Youth Court on Tuesday March 3 for attempted robbery, robbery and possession of a knife. 

He received no separate penalty for failing to surrender to police and has been ordered to pay £250 in compensation.

At 7.15pm on Tuesday January 14, the boy walked into Eastwood Food and Wine in Rayleigh Road and selected items before paying and leaving. 

A few minutes later he returned with his hood up, pulled out a knife and pointed it towards a worker. The victim bravely raised the alarm and the boy ran off empty handed.

Twenty minutes later he walked into Cambridge News in Eastwood Road North with his hood up.

While a worker had his back turned, the boy pulled threatened him and left with cash and alcohol.

Officers carried out our enquiries and attended the boy’s address on Friday January 17. He was arrested at the scene.

Investigating officer DC Glen Crosby, of Southend CID, said: “The boy carried out two serious offences within 30 minutes while in possession of a knife and has been detained for 12 months.

“He will have to undergo a training order and I hope he is able to turn his life around.

“I’d like to thank workers from both shops for their support throughout this case. I hope this outcome offers some form of justice to then.”