TWO men have admitted to a string of robberies from last month.

Paul Stevenson, 38, of no fixed address and George Turner, 20, of Middle Mead, Rochford were presented at Basildon Crown Court yesterday where they admitted to carrying out three robberies on shops across South Essex between Friday October 6 and Sunday October 8.

Stevenson was charged with three counts of robbery and three counts of possession of a knife and he pleaded guilty to all charges.

Turner was charged with two counts of robbery and he admitted to both.

The defendants appeared at the court by video link, however, her honour Judge Leigh told the pair that they will be presented to the court in person when they are sentenced.

Judge Leigh said: “Next time, we are not doing this by video link.

“You will be produced in the court, I do not like defendants being produced on link.”

Stevenson was arrested on Thursday October 12, in connection with robberies at Greetings to You in London Road, Hadleigh, on October 6; Belgravia Florist in High Road, Benfleet, on October 7 and the Co-Op store in Meppel Avenue, Canvey, on October 8.

Stevenson was charged for the incidents on Friday October 13.

Turner was arrested on Tuesday October 10.

Judge Leigh told Chris Whitcombe and Penny Simons, defending, that they will be given until the first week of January to prepare pre sentence reports.

Stevenson and Turner will appear at court on either the week beginning January 8 or the following week.

Judge Leigh said: “In the mean time you will be remanded in custody.

“The sentencing date I hope will be January 8 but I know that it is a very busy week so I will let you know about that.

“It does not make a difference if you (Stevenson and Turner) are sentenced on that week or the next.”

Cyrus Shroff, prosecuting, accepted Judge Leigh’s decision.

Judge Leigh reminded Stevenson and Turner of the severity of the crimes that had admitted to and that they were very dangerous incidents.