by Lynn Cox

A man has been jailed for more than three years, after admitting two robberies, during one of which he netted just 30p and a packet of cigarettes.

Leon Stephen Wheddon, 19, was jailed for 40 months after admitting the robberies in Gillingham and Whitstable.

Wheddon, of Davenport Avenue, Gillingham, initially denied the robbery on the Great Lines, in August and one in Whitstable in June.

But he later pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court.

Wheddon approached a man on the Great Lines and told him to empty his pockets.

The victim, 20, had 30p and packet of cigarettes on him, which he handed over.

Det Con Julie McNeil said: “The victim reported the offence and was able to give us a distinctive description of Wheddon.

“He has been a persistent offender and is a danger to the community.

“Wheddon did not carry a weapon but used threats against his victims to suggest that he did.

“Anyone who acts in this way will be prosecuted and will face a jail sentence.”

Wheddon also pleaded guilty to the robbery in Whitstable, where he threatened a 16-year-old, forcing the victim to take £200 out of his bank account and hand it over.

Wheddon was successfully identified by officers and arrested and charged with the offence.

He was jailed on Friday, November 20.