A GANG of heroin addicts who threatened terrified shop staff with syringes during a four-day crime spree have been put behind bars.

They targeted women working alone in Hartlepool, and stole trays of lager and sweets, said Shaun Dodds, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court.

Mark Kinnersley, 20, of Ibrox Grove, Hartlepool, was given six years detention after he admitted five robberies and two thefts; John Watson, 19, of Burbank Street, Hartlepool, five years detention after admitting four robberies and three thefts; and Anthony Hadfield, also 19, of Wynyard Road, Hartlepool, 30 months detention after he pleaded guilty to one robbery and a theft.

Judge Tony Briggs told them: "The use of needles were terrifying, nasty and horribly effective forms of theft. It is perfectly plain that there was a plan to target small shops staffed by women, very often with one female member of staff. It is also clear that heroin drove you to become involved in either robbing these premises or stealing from them."

The raids started on New Year's Day at the Gillens store, in Clavering Road, Hartlepool, and on the same day Booze Busters at The Fens shopping parade, in the town, was raided.

The next day, they returned to raid Gillens and hours later attempted a robbery at Right Choice, in King Oswy Drive.

The following day at Gillens store in Owton Manor Lane, assistant Shir-ley Cowell was threatened with a needle by Kinnersley as he stole a tray of lager. She told police: "I was petrified."

Some of the incidents were caught on security TV but the gang were wearing hoods, hats and scarves.

Dan Cordey, defending Kinnersley, said: "It was four days of absolute, utter madness and stupidity."