THREE men said to have brought violence to the streets of Crewe have been sentenced to a total of nine years in jail.

In Chester Crown Court on Friday, Terry Blackwell, 31, of Allan Place, Crewe, admitted robbery involving a boy of 14 and burglary.

Christopher Murray, 21, of Railton Avenue, Crewe, admitted burglary, and Stephen Whelan, 37, of Royce Close, Crewe, admitted handling property stolen from the burgled flat.

All three pleaded guilty to two joint offences of causing an affray.

Nick Williams, prosecuting, said: 'They embarked upon a spree of unprovoked violence on the streets of Crewe involving innocent members of the public, including a boy of 14.'

Mr Williams said that the burglary involved Blackwell and Murray forcing open the front door of a flat in Crewe, and the occupants were so frightened they escaped through the back door.

Whelan helped to remove a stereo and PlayStation games.

The three then became involved in a violent incident involving two couples.

Mr Williams added: 'Their only provocation was to cross Wistaston Road as their car approached at high speed.'

Mr Williams said minor injuries were caused before the trio moved on and parked their car near a number of teenagers.

Blackwell then pursued a boy of 14, threw him to the ground, and punched him before demanding his mobile phone and small amount of cash.

Mr Williams told the court the other two confronted an older youth, who responded so bravely he knocked out Murray, and the three then left the scene.

Judge Elgan Edwards, Honorary Recorder of Chester, sentenced Blackwell to a total of three-and-a-half years imprisonment.

Murray was jailed for three years and Whelan for two-and-a-half years.