Two jailed for bus fare robbery

Two men have been sent to prison for 18 months after they admitted robbing a 14-year-old Dover boy of £3 - his bus fare home.

Stephen Campbell (20) of Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, and Michael Beardmore (31) of Weavers Way, Dover, were appearing at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday (18 January 2012) following last June's robbery in London Road, Dover.

The court heard that the two men confronted the teenager and grabbed him around the neck area, demanding cigarettes and money. The boy was scared of being hit and handed over his bus money.

Members of the public came to help and flagged down a police car. Officers chased after one of the men and both were arrested.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Lee Gerken said: "Thanks to the prompt work of witnesses and the police these two have been brought before the court and I hope that the sentences they have received will spell out the message that threatening violence and taking money - however small the amount - will not be tolerated."