Three people from Grays have been sentenced for their part in a series of moped robberies in the summer.

Henry Javangwe, 18, of Gunning Road, Grays, an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on June 12, two days after four teenagers were robbed in Brentwood.

All three pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on September 13 and were sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on October 18.

At 4pm on Sunday, June 10, two boys aged 13 and 14, were approached by people on mopeds in Warley Hill.

They then stole a number of items from the victims, including a silver iPhone 6 worth £500, a black Armani bag worth £150 and another iPhone 6 worth £480.

Shortly after, at 4.20pm in Kings Road, another teenager was robbed of a red Fendi jumper. The £200 jumper was among other items found in a BMW being driven by Javangwe when he was arrested on June 12.

The final robbery took place at around 5.10pm in High Street, Brentwood, when a 16-year-old was approached by the group and robbed of a designer jacket, handbag and phone.

As the victim in this robbery tried to get away from the group, he was chased down the High Street before being pulled to the ground and his property stolen.

Javangwe was given an 18-month community rehabilitation order, with 20 hours of rehabilitation requirements. He will also have to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

The 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man - neither of whom can be named for legal reasons - were both given 18-month youth rehabilitation orders and have been excluded for Brentwood for three months.

The 18-year-old man will carry out 40 hours of unpaid work, while the teenager will have to carry out 45 hours of reparation activity.

Officers were able to recover most of the property stolen on June 10.

Police constable Paul Burnett from Brentwood CID said: “This group targeted teenagers at speed on mopeds and with total disregard for anyone’s safety.

“They were determined to steal as much as they could.

“I’m satisfied that they pleaded guilty to the offence and I hope it brings the victims closure.

“It would have been very intimidating for anyone to be approached by this group on mopeds and we are very pleased they have seen their day in court.

“We hope they use this opportunity to make more productive life choices and that it brings home the fact that we will throw everything we have into ensuring a conviction for this type of crime.”