A THUG who carried out two violent robberies has been locked up for the protection of the public.

John McDonagh was told that he would not be considered for parole until he had served three-and-a-half years. Judge Warwick McKinnon said the 21-year-old, from Cross Street, Gillingham, was a continuing danger.

Barry Gosden, who joined McDonagh and a third man in one of the robberies, was jailed for five years.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that the three had armed themselves with screwdrivers when they squared up to Craig Smith and Kevin Robbins in Balmoral Gardens, Gillingham, on May 29 last year.

William Eaglestone, prosecuting, said Mr Robbins handed over £15 and Mr Smith handed over a silver chain, bracelet and wallet. Officers arrested Gosden, of Saunders Street, Gillingham, and McDonagh nearby. Both had screwdrivers with them.

McDonagh was bailed for the offence on June 3 and four days later committed the second robbery.

Lee Goddard was on the platform at Gillingham station when McDonagh asked him for money and cigarettes, telling him he would "smack him" if he did not hand them over.

He hit the victim in the face, knocking him off a bench. He knocked him to the ground again and held him down with his knee on his neck, before demanding his coat.

Mr Eaglestone said McDonagh was sentenced to three years youth custody in September 2000 for robbery.

Judge McKinnon told McDonagh: "You have convictions for two previous street robberies five years ago. Since then you have committed offences with great regularity.

"Alcohol and drugs are at the root of your offending. I must pass a sentence for public protection."

The judge added that McDonagh would be on licence for the rest of his life, although it could be reviewed after 10 years.

Paul Hogben, for McDonagh, said his client lost his self-control when drinking. "For a young man, he has spent a lot of time in custody," he said.

McDonagh was diagnosed as HIV positive just after his 20th birthday from drug-taking.

David Ross, for Gosden, said his client had no previous convictions and only one caution. "He accepts he needs help to kick his dependency on alcohol.He is keen to get any help he can when released."