Knifepoint robbers steal 27p from homeless men in Newcastle
Two men have been jailed after a knifepoint robbery in Newcastle. Thomas Keenan, 20, and Steven Smith, 22, both of no fixed abode, threatened two homeless men who were sleeping in a car park in Lisle Street in September last year. They were armed with knives and slashed one of the two men before stealing 27p from them. They were arrested by officers and both of the men were charged with two counts of robbery and threatening a person with a bladed article. Keenan was jailed for 20 months and Smith 17 months at Newcastle Crown Court. City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector Nicola Wearing said: "Violent crime, and especially violent crime involving knives, will not be tolerated here in Newcastle city centre. These two men are dangerous and clearly a risk to the public. We were able to take quick action, get them swiftly arrested and thankfully they are now off the streets."