A teenager has been jailed for eight years after a string of robberies in Hatfield.

Randey Runzilike, of Macarthur Close in Erith, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court last Friday for four counts of robbery, one attempted robbery, four counts of possession of a bladed article, and assault.

The 19-year-old committed robberies in Bishops Rise, Cavendish Way and Alban Way at the end of March and early April this year, as well as further attempted robbery that took place in College Lane.

"Runzilike targeted young people innocently going about their day and he put them through frightening ordeals," said Detective Inspector Bianca Broadbent, from the Welwyn Hatfield Local Crime Unit.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Runzilike was jailed at St Albans Crown Court last week.Runzilike was jailed at St Albans Crown Court last week. (Image: Herts police)

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"I am glad that he is now off the streets and facing punishment for his crimes.

"We know that these incidents caused alarm to the public at the time so I hope this news provides reassures to local residents."

Joshua Cinense, also 19, of Ladbroke Grove in London, has been charged with three counts of handling stolen goods in connection with the robberies. He will appear for trial on July 1, 2024.

A 16-year-old boy from Hatfield was arrested on suspicion of three counts of robbery, but was released with no further action.