A GANG of three who "trawled" the streets of Newport looking for victims to rob was jailed for a total of 17 years.

Judge Stephen Hopkins told them: "This case takes the typical offence of street robbery to a new dimension."

Rhys Hardwick, 23, of Stow Hill, Newport, and Leigh Wannell, 29 of Tudor Crescent, Rogerstone, each received six years and Lee Cashman, 23, of Sycamore Avenue, Newport, was jailed for five years.

In addition, Hardwick received a further 247 days imprisonment to run consecutively for the breach of licence in respect of an 18-month sentence he received for carrying out a robbery at the Kingsway subway, Newport.

The three admitted conspiracy to rob at Cardiff crown court.

Paul Wannell, 25, of Church Crescent, Bassaleg, denied conspiracy but admitted dishonestly handling a watch taken in one of the robberies and was jailed for eight months.

The judge said the three "had been trawling for victims".

He said: "Street robbery is all too prevalent. The public, young and old, are entitled to be safe on the streets of our towns and cities." He said the courts would protect the public and punish and deter robbers.

Prosecutor Michael Mather Lees said that on January 9 two teenagers were walking in Malpas Road when a car driven by Cashman stopped near them and Hardwick and Leigh Wannell got out and robbed them.

Later, in Caerleon Road, another youth was walking when the same car stopped and the same two got out and confronted him.

"Leigh Wannell pointed a knife at him and demanded money. The youth, terrified, ran off and hid."

Shortly after 44-year-old John Rigden left a club in Malpas Road and saw Leigh Wannell and Hardwick walk towards him.

"He was struck to the ground, there was a struggle and he was kicked to the head and body before £20 was taken."

Later, at a house in Cardiff, Paul Wannell received a watch taken in the first robbery.

The others, said Mr Mather Lees, were bragging about what they had done.

Harry Baker for Cashman and Hardwick said: "This will be their first serious sentence."

Robert Buckland for Leigh Wannell said: "He is totally contrite. Alcohol has been his problem."

And Julian Kestner for Paul Wannell said: "He was not a professional fence and the benefit was nominal."