AN ARMED trio have been jailed for their parts in multiple attacks in Basildon.

The first incident, which took place at around 10.55pm on December 12 2018, saw Joshua Celikten and Josh Kent-Smith pull up beside two innocent people in a silver Mercedes on London Road.

Celikten threatened them with a knife before taking an iPhone and a bag from one of the victims.

Celikten and Kent-Smith then got back into the car and made-off towards the Five Bells roundabout.

They stopped after a short distance and threw the iPhone out of the window.

Six days later, a woman in her 30s received a knock on her door shortly after 9pm. When she opened the door she was faced with Celikten, who had part of his face covered, who put a knife against her stomach.

He was followed into the address by Kent-Smith, who was wearing a balaclava.

They demanded money before a third man, Liam Kelly, who was standing at the door with a knuckleduster, called for both men to leave.

Celikten, 19, of Ryedene Place, Basildon was arrested in London Road on December 21 when officers stopped the same Mercedes and he was identified as being involved in the incident on December 12 during an ID parade.

Kelly, 21, of no fixed address, and Kent-Smith, 21, of Broomfields, Basildon were arrested on December 19.

Celikten was later charged with robbery, two counts of attempted robbery, criminal damage, and threatening a person with a blade in a public place.

Kent-Smith was charged with attempted robbery, attempted aggravated burglary, and handling stolen goods.

Kelly was charged with attempted robbery, two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, handling stolen goods, driving without insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

All three pleaded guilty to the charges and were jailed at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday September 24.

Celektin was jailed for three and-a-half years, Kent-Smith was given a year and nine months, and Kelly was sentenced to two and-a-half years behind bars.

PC Keith Corry, from Basildon CID, said: “Joshua Celikten, Josh Kent-Smith, and Liam Kelly caused fear to their victims, including one in her own home.

“No-one should have to experience this, let alone where they live.

“I hope this sentencing provides the victims with some closure.”