A TEENAGER has been sentenced to six years in prison after he used a knife to steal valuable items from one of his victims.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty by unanimous verdict of two counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery at Reading Crown Court.

On 21 November 2016, the victim, a man in his 20s, was walking along Falkland Road, Caversham, when he was grabbed from behind and forced against a wall.

The offender then demanded the victim hand over his wallet before he was slashed across the chest with a knife, cutting his jacket.

A mobile phone and a rucksack containing a laptop computer and bank cards was taken.

The cards were then used afterwards to make purchases, but the victim did not suffer injuries.

At 9.30pm on the same day, two further victims, a man in his 60s and woman in her 20s were confronted on Southview Avenue, Caversham.

The male victim was attacked and a small amount of cash was taken from him.

Both victims were taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital with minor injuries and were discharged later the same day.

The 17-year-old was arrested later the same day and subsequently charged on November 8, 2017.

Detective constable Maggie Bruce, of Force CID at Reading, said: “Thames Valley Police will always investigate incidents of robbery thoroughly and bring offenders to justice.

“These incidents were particularly frightening experiences for the victims, and I would like to commend and thank the victims for their bravery throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

“We are satisfied with the sentence imposed by the courts.”