Two shops in Ribbleton were raided within minutes of each other, Preston Crown Court was told.

Just before the raids the robbers shoplifted ladies' tights, which one later used as a disguise.

The court was told Keith Smith and Stephen Sergeant walked into the Costcutters Late Night shop.

Prosecutor Antony Longworth told the court that, as Sergeant distracted staff, Smith came in wearing tights on his head and brandishing the machete.

Smith grabbed around £1,000 from the till and both made off.

The same robbers then targeted the nearby Mini Mart on Ribbleton Avenue.
Again the staff were distracted and this time Smith was waving a hammer, shouting for the till to be opened.About £350 was stolen.

Smith, 22, of Lawson Street, Preston pleaded guilty to the two shop robberies, assault with intent to rob, two offences of possessing offensive weapons and theft.

Judge Christina Lyon said: "You are fundamentally out of control."

She passed an open ended sentence for public protection and told him he will only be assessed by the parole board when he serves a further two years and 190 days.

Sergeant, 21, of Heathfield Drive, Brookfield, also admitted the two robberies.

He admitted a separate offence of common assault as well as attempted fraud and was jailed for six years.