Teens are locked up after terrifying Black Country raids

Two teenagers have been sentenced to more than 11 years behind bars after admitting their part in terrifying robberies in the Black Country.

One of them – a 16-year-old from Smethwick who cannot be named for legal reasons – was part of a gang who entered a West Bromwich home and threatened four young children inside, making one of the terrified youngsters show them where money and jewellery was kept.

The teenager, along with 19-year-old Romeo Robinson of Beacon Street, West Bromwich, was also involved in a break-in where the female homeowner was bound and gagged before being robbed of her jewellery.

He had previously admitted two charges of robbery and was sentenced to five years and four months at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday.

Robinson, who pleaded guilty to one charge of robbery, was sentenced to six years in a Young Offenders Institute.

Mr John Evans, prosecuting, told the court the 16-year-old entered the home in St Stephen's Road through an open conservatory door in October last year, with three others.

While inside the gang threatened a 14-year-old boy with a knife and forced him to reveal where valuables were kept.

"The children were at home alone. Their father was out at work and their uncle had gone out to get food," Mr Evans said.

"When the uncle returned he found all the children shocked and crying."

Then, while on bail for that offence, he joined a gang of four – including Robinson – who smashed their way into a house in Oxford Road, Smethwick.

They handcuffed a woman and put tape across her mouth, before making off with gold jewellery.

"The woman was pushed to the floor. They took four bangles, a necklace and earrings from her. One of the men placed their foot on the back of her neck. Another man put tape on her mouth," added Mr Evans.

Mr John Attwood, defending the 16-year-old, said: "He just got in with the wrong crowd."

And Mr Jas Mann, defending Robinson, said: "He is only 19. He did not anticipate what actually happened. He does not blame anyone else but himself. He knows he has ruined his life."