TWO men who robbed a group of teenagers at while in possession of a knife in Chalkwell Park, have had their sentences increased on appeal.

Carl Wood, 21, of no fixed address, had his sentenced increased from two years and five months in a young offender’s institute to three years and nine months for two counts of robbery and possession of a knife.

Scott Taylor, 20, of Mansell Close, Leigh, was previously sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, for two counts of robbery but his sentence was increased to two years.

It follows a decision made at the Court of Appeal on Thursday, June 6.

They were both previously sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, April 12 along with a 17-year-old boy.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was ordered to complete a two year youth referral order and 150 hours unpaid work for two counts of robbery.

On Sunday, February 25, 2018, two 15-year-old boys were walking through Chalkwell Park when they were stopped by a group of people at around 8pm.

Wood was the main instigator and instructed Taylor and the 17-year-old to take their watch and a push bike.

Wood, who was in possession of a knife, then told the victims to stand up against a wall and took a photograph of them.

He told the boys not to go to police because he knew what they looked like.

Wood and the 17-year-old were arrested the following day before Taylor was arrested two weeks later.

Investigating officer PC Anthony Kopf, of Southend CID, said: “The teenage victims were innocently walking through a park when they were stopped by a group of people and threatened by Wood, who was armed with a knife.

“They were forced to hand over their possessions and were made to stand against a wall so he could take photographs of them.

“While Wood was the one making instructions, Taylor still played his role in the robberies and yesterday they both had their sentences increased.

“They will now both spend time locked in a cell and I hope yesterday's outcome offers some justice to the victims and their families.”