'Scumbag' robbed teenagers

He threatened to stab one of them in the heart unless he handed over his money.

John McEwen, 26, of Linley Road in Hastings, appeared at Brighton Crown Court this week where he admitted two charges of robbery.

McEwen had been drinking heavily when he homed in on the two youngsters on the evening of May 15 last year.

He chased them before grabbing one of the boys and threatening him.

The youngster handed over 15 and his companion also handed over cash.

The unemployed scaffolder was convicted last month after a trial of assault and theft of a mobile phone.

Judge Paul Tain gave a prison sentence of four years and described the robberies as "nasty".

He added: "The victims were obviously vulnerable. It must have been immensely frightening for these children."

Defence solicitor Rebecca Owen said McEwen admitted he had got in with the wrong crowd, and owned up to being "a scumbag".

She commented: "The offences were committed at a time when he was drinking heavily. He bitterly regrets committing the offences and has shown remorse."