Two robbers were today starting jail sentences after they left more than 20 people terrrified through a series of armed raids.
Three village post offices and four pubs were hit by the robbers in a reign of terror which netted them more than £100,000.
A court heard how each time they struck, Christopher Ross and Gary Marvell were armed with knives. But for one raid, at the Birch post office, a sawn-off shotgun was produced.
Chelmsford Crown Court heard how more than 20 post office staff and pub workers were confronted by the two robbers.
None was physically harmed, but the court heard how many were left shocked and shaken by their experience.
Ross, 21, and 23-year-old Marvell were told by Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC the culture of knives and guns would not be tolerated by the courts.
The pair were jailed for a total of 17 years after they admitted the robberies. They also asked for four similar matters, involving pubs, to be considered.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Wednesday, September 1, 2004
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