Teenagers admit robberies

A TEENAGER from Runcorn and another boy have admitted a string of armed robberies including in Widnes.

The boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at North Cheshire Magistrates’ Court on March 11 where they each pleaded guilty to three robberies, one attempted robbery and one count of having an offensive weapon in public, namely an axe on Peelhouse Lane in

Widnes.

Both youths are 15 years old.

The first count of robbery relates to stealing a handbag containing cash and cards to the value of £80 from a 72-year-old woman in Warrington on March 4.

The second stems from swiping sweets from M&S Late Shop on Derby Road in Widnes on February 8.

Count three was in connection with a robbery at Peel House Fish Bar in Widnes on February 8 in which food was stolen.

Count four is the offensive weapon, also from February 8, and the final count relates to an attempted robbery on Birchwood Way in Warrington on March 4 in which they tried to take a mobile phone.

The boys pleaded guilty to all charges.

They were arrested shortly after a CCTV appeal was put out featuring the faces of two males police wanted to speak to in connection with the crime spree.

At magistrates’ court on March 11 they were granted conditional bail to reappear on April 8 for pre-sentence reports to be prepared and for committal to crown court.

Victim personal statements are to be obtained.

The youths were electronically tagged and ordered to reside at home on curfew from 6pm to 7am until their next court appearance.

They were also ordered not to communicate with each other.