Layton Hynes, a 19-year-old from Middlesborough, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of violent robberies that occurred in Ferryhill on March 12. His first victim was a man on Main Street, whom Hynes assaulted, taking a can of Coca-Cola and loose change.
Minutes later, Hynes entered an off-licence, where he threatened two employees and stole alcohol. Unsatisfied, he returned to the same shop, barging behind the till and committing a third robbery by taking more alcohol.
Police reviewed CCTV footage and arrested Hynes. Despite his refusal to comment during the interview, the evidence was sufficient to charge and convict him. Detective Sergeant Phillip Stainthorpe, who led the investigation, described Hynes’ actions as “despicable” and commended the efforts to bring him to justice.