Knife-armed teen robber locked for four years

A teenager, who used a knife to terrify and rob a convenience store in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough in Wales, has been given jail term for four years.

According to local reports, teen Brandon Jenkins targeted Owen Stores in The Green in Trefechan by arming himself with a blade on Oct 14. He concealed his face with a scarf on October 14 as he entered the conveniece store. He left a shop worker “terrified” as he stole £700, said a South Wales Police spokesman. 

Less than 24 hours earlier Jenkins had gone into the fish bar in Cefn-coed-y-cymmer and approached the counter with an iron bar. He was confronted by a member of staff then left without taking anything. 

Police found and arrested Jenkins hours after the Owen Stores robbery. The teen, of no fixed address, appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court where he admitted robbery, attempted robbery, and possessing an offensive weapon. He was locked up for four years and four months. 

Detective inspector Matt Hicks said that there is absolutely no place for this kind of behaviour in our community and Brandon Jenkins should be ashamed by his actions.  

“He showed a total disregard for the law and the welfare of others as he walked into two businesses armed with a knife and iron bar and threatened staff for purely selfish gains. 

“Thankfully nobody was injured in either incident and Jenkins left empty-handed but his frightening behaviour could have caused long-term effects for his victims. I am pleased that the severity of his crimes have been reflected in this sentence and hope he uses this time behind bars to think carefully about the consequences of his actions.”