TWO bullying thugs who targeted schoolboys to mug for their pocket money were locked up yesterday.

Three boys were robbed as they queued up outside the ABC Cinema, in North Road, Darlington, and two youths were mugged in the town's Market Place.

One of the thugs told their victims: "If you like your nose, give us your money, or we'll start chewing it," Teesside Crown Court heard.

Another victim was threatened with a knife and told: "Hand over your money or you will go to the graveyard," said prosecutor Shaun Dodds.

The muggers, who were drug addicts, terrified the schoolboys for small amounts of money ranging from £1.20 to £5, the court heard.

Lee Graham, 21, of Dodds Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to five robberies and two attempted robberies. He was jailed for four-and-a-half years, including a six-months recall sentence for a previous robbery.

Andrew Hawthornthwaite, 18 today, who lodged at the Borro Guest House, Darlington, admitted two robberies and the attempted robberies and was given three-and-a-half years detention.

Judge Peter Bowers told them: "You targeted young teenage students to commit robberies which were more in the nature of bullying. You softened them up with threats of violence and an aggravating feature is that a knife was produced."

Afterwards, Inspector Ian Coates, of Darlington police, said they welcomed the sentences handed out to the two robbers.

He said: "With any offences of violence it is important that the courts make full use of the custodial sentences available to them. This sends out a strong message to other potential criminals that these sorts of acts will not be tolerated."