Two men have been put behind bars following a string of robbery and shoplifting offences including stealing £1,000 worth of tobacco whilst "squaring up" to members of the public.

Hartlepool men Liam Gascoigne, 33, of Annandale Crescent and Keith Casey, 30, of no fixed address were sentenced to more than ten years between them earlier this week (September 23) for offences that took place earlier this year.

The pair first struck on April 4, where they stole alcohol, and just an hour later went to Morrison’s Daily on Clavering Road and barged behind the counter where they stole £1,000 worth of tobacco whilst squaring up to a member of the public with a walking stick.

Keith Casey.Keith Casey. (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE) The next day, (April 5) the pair carried out a robbery at Morrisons on Brierton Lane where Gascoigne branded a crowbar at two female members of staff before taking cigarettes from behind the counter and Gascoigne attempted to get into the till.

They then calmly walked out of the store, with Gascoigne saying “thanks” to the shop workers.

The duo were also sentenced for other offences. In court, Casey admitted to three counts of criminal damage to homes and a car on Moyne Gardens on April 5.

Gascoigne, of Annandale Crescent, also admitted actual bodily harm to his then partner in a drug-fuelled unprovoked assault in March.

Liam Gascoigne.Liam Gascoigne. (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE) The victim was left with bruises and a black eye. He also admitted racially aggravated harassment towards staff and members of the public at James Cook hospital.

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Gascoigne was jailed for six years and four months while Casey was locked up for four years and 11 months.

Following the sentence, Detective Inspector of Cleveland Police Louise Sproson said: “The threat to staff and customers in these stores was despicable, as they brazenly walked into shops taking what they wanted.

“I’m pleased that these sentences reflect the serious nature of these offences and hope that it sends a message to others thinking that they can threaten the public and steal from shops.”