by Paul Hooper

Two teenage robbers who launched a terror campaign against Thanet shopkeepers have both been jailed for six years.

Mitch Jarvis, 19, and pal Saul Powell, 18, raided four stores in Thanet in August last year, armed with a machete, an axe and a knife.

Canterbury Crown Court heard how they "deliberately and calculatingly" targeted "wholly innocent" shopkeepers to get cash.

The duo – wearing hoods and balaclavas – attacked stores in Ramsgate, Margate and Cliftonville, threatening violence before snatching cash from the till.

Donna East, prosecuting, said the two burst into Addington Super Store, Ramsgate, Jarvis (pictured, below left) armed with a machete and Powell (below right) carrying an axe and a bag.

The shopkeeper, John Nantharathinam, was struck repeatedly by Jarvis and feared he was going to be stabbed, while Powell filled the bag with cash.

Mrs East said that as they fled, Jarvis snatched cigarettes before making threats, leaving their victim with cuts to his hands, which needed stitches.

Three days later they carried out an identical raid at Margate's Victoria Stores, demanding cash as Jarvis repeatedly smashed an axe on the counter and Powell threatened a member of staff.

Shopkeeper Sathes Kangatharam "feared for his life" and is now frightened to work, said the prosecutor.

The court heard that at Premier Stores, Cliftonville, the two snatched £450 in cash.

However, when they tried a fourth attack on August 18 at Star Lane Stores, Margate, shopkeeper Sendil Kumar beat them away with a tray and chased them into the street empty-handed.

Police noted that Jarvis' Golf car had been seen nearby. When they stopped it, they found a flick-knife, an axe, a machete and clothing inside, along with cash.

Judge Simon James ruled that £500 which was seized from the pair should be given to three of their victims as compensation.

Mrs East said all four shopkeepers had since spoken about their fears after the attacks. Many had now taken on extra staff as a precaution against further attacks, she added.

The court heard the two had carried out the raids "because of greed".

The judge said the two had led a campaign a violence against vulnerable shopkeepers, who will now "live in terror, probably for the rest of their lives".

Jarvis, of Martins Close, Ramsgate, and Powell, of no fixed address, admitted three robberies and an attempted robbery.