A thug who robbed two teenagers at knifepoint as they walked with friends to a supermarket in the early hours has been locked up for four years.

David Olayinka, 19, stole money from one victim and a mobile phone from the other as he, Matthew Chapple, 25, and Dylan Evans, 21, confronted them in Riverhead, near Sevenoaks.

Olayinka, of Lyndhurst Avenue, Margate, denied two offences of robbery, assault and possessing a blade, but was convicted.

Chapple, of Church Meadow, Rickinghall, Diss, Norfolk, was jailed for two years. He denied two offences of assault causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating, but was convicted.

Evans, a father, of The Green, Sevenoaks, walked free with a suspended sentence after admitting two offences of assault causing actual bodily harm and assault by beating.

He will be subject to a three-month tagged curfew from 7.30pm to 6.30am.

Maidstone Crown Court heard three boys, aged 16 and 17, and three girls had a “get together” at the home of one of them on October 8 2016.

They left the house at about 3am to get some food from Tesco’s. While walking there, they were spotted by Olayinka, Chapple and Evans, who were sitting in a car.

Olayinka robbed two of them at knifepoint and all three boys were assaulted. Chapple took off his belt, wrapped it around his hand and struck one of the victims with the buckle, cutting his eyelid.

“What is clear is this was a frightening and upsetting incident for them,” said Judge Philip St John-Stevens.

“Those who carry knives and commit knifepoint robbery should expect significant terms of custody.”

Olayinka was sentenced to youth custody. Chapple was jailed for 17 months and seven months consecutive for breaching a suspended sentence for possessing a knife.

Judge St John-Stevens suspended Evans’ sentence for two years after being told there had been a change in attitude after his father’s death and he had the offer of a job.

“What is clear is this was a frightening and upsetting incident for them...” - Judge Philip St John-Stevens

“It is quite clear now you understand the effect on people of your actions,” added the judge.

Mrs Atanda Olatokubo, for Olayinka, said the teenager served in the Prince of Wales Regiment for three months and took part in a Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

She said of the offences: “He acted impulsively. He is genuinely sorry for his actions.”

Dominic Bell, for Chapple, said his client abused alcohol and cocaine, which led to his offending.

“He needs more time in custody to deal with his demons,” he said. “He is taking courses on anger management and substance abuse.”