TWO teenagers who took part in a knifepoint robbery of a Newport Post Office were locked up yesterday.

Cardiff Crown Court heard workers Jackie Jones, 63, and Pamela James, 57, had their lives threatened by one of the masked raiders, but still fought them off.

Prosecutor Hilary Roberts told the court a 15-year-old from Newport, who cannot be named, along with Ali Miah, 18, of Norbury Road, Cardiff, Thomas Fletcher, 18, of Neville Street, Cardiff, and a unknown fourth person targeted Rhiwderin Post Office as the ladies were cashing up at around 5pm on September 20.

The court heard Miah sent texts to Fletcher in the minutes leading up to the robbery. At 5.07pm, he sent the text 'move now.'

Three of the group, not including Miah, burst into the shop and Fletcher, face covered, brandished a knife at Mrs Jones, saying "I don't want to kill you, don't make me."

Mr Roberts said: "She rather courageously pushed him away, despite the knife being waved in her face."

The Newport teen grabbed £915 cash from the till and a bottle of vodka form the shelf before the trio made off. Mrs Jones was left with bruising to her arms and back from being pushed over.

Matthew Cobb, for Miah, said he failed to make clear he didn't want to be part of the robbery.

Gareth Williams, defending the 15-year-old, said he was "ashamed," made a full admission when arrested and helped police. He also wrote a letter to Mrs Jones expressing his regret.

The Newport teen admitted robbery at an earlier hearing. Miah was found guilty, the jury taking just ten minutes deliberating. It was accepted neither knew a knife was going to be used.

The Newport teenager was given 18 months in a young offenders institution, Miah got two-and-a-half years.

Fletcher will have psychiatric reports prepared before he is sentenced.

Judge Christopher Llewellyn Jones said: "I don't accept you didn't realise it may well be necessary to use force.

Post Offices are vulnerable premises which need the protection of the court - people who enter Post Offices to rob them must expect a custodial sentence."

Pair glad matter is over

SPEAKING after the sentencing, Mrs Jones and Mrs James said they were pleased the matter was over.

Postmistress Mrs Jones said: "They deserve all they get, I had a letter from the lad which doesn't cut any ice with me, they knew what they were doing, they all should know right from wrong."

Assistant Mrs James added: "I went to get closure for myself, now I know they've got the right ones, I'm happy."