A Radcliffe teenager who robbed people at knifepoint after being released by police under investigation for a raid on a shop has been placed in detention for more than four years.

Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard Ben Gartland first struck at the Your Local shop in Whitefield in July last year.

The employee found him wearing a mask and brandishing a weapon.

She ran outside to get help while Gartland helped himself to £39 as well as e-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquid worth £147

He was chased down the street by a brave member of the public and damaged a shed in the process but was apprehended.

A search of his bag and later his home found a knife, two knuckle dusters and face masks.

He confessed at the shop and to police and apologised but was released by police under investigation.

But the 19-year-old struck again with a series of robberies in September and October this year.

Firstly he approached a pupil at Bury College returning from the shops.

Along with another he demanded his jacket and his associate said he would be stabbed unless he handed it over, which he then did.

He struck again with two other men four days attempting to rob a man who managed to run away from them.

And finally in a group of four they targeted a man at Bury Interchange stealing AirPods and a watch from him.

He was arrested again later that month and admitted carrying out the attacks before appearing in court this week to be sentenced.

Prosecutor Nicola Carroll revealed the impact of the attacks.

She said of the shop worker: “She felt scared of returning to work.

“She had to limit the number of people able to enter the shop, this was prior to social distancing.”

She said of the man who had a watch and AirPods stolen: “He said I work hard for the AirOods and watch, he feels reluctant to go to Bury Interchange.”

She added: “The defendant names two of his associates, for some reason unfathomable to me no one else has been arrested.”

Representing Gartland, of Suthers Street in Radcliffe, defence agent Adam Brown said his client had lost his job before the first incident took place.

He said: “He obtained no qualifications at school but was able to get work in construction.

“In 2019 he had lost his employment.”

He added: “It is unfortunate he did not learn his lesson.

“Has he been charged and but before court it may have prevented the 2020 case, he could have received a custodial sentence or an order.”

Judge Tina Landale said: “It is so serious only a term of detention can be justified.”

She imposed detention of four years and eight months.