TWO men have been jailed for their part in “terrifying and distressing” armed robberies in three Spar stores in Portskewett, Ponthir and Caerleon.

Appearing at Newport Crown Court today (27th April), Lee Bidmead, 46, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment and an additional four years on licence after being found guilty of two offences of robbery and two offences of possession of an imitation firearm, while Brian Butler, 49, of Radnor Road, Newport, was sentenced to six years imprisonment after being found guilty of two offences of robbery.

On Friday 11th March 2016, a masked Lee Bidmead robbed the Spar store in Ponthir, Caerleon, with an imitation firearm. On Sunday 20th March he did the same at the Spar store in Portskewett – this time also spraying a female employee with petrol. Both robberies were aided by Brian Butler.

Gwent Police Detective Constable Carrie Streeter said: “This series of robberies could have resulted in tragic consequences. Having supported the victims throughout the investigation I have seen first-hand the impact the incidents have had on them but also the sheer emotion that was evident when the guilty verdict was returned.

“I hope today’s sentence will offer some closure and peace of mind to all those affected. The sentence passed down reflects the gravity of these type of offences and proves Gwent Police will persistently pursue and bring to justice those who commit crime within Gwent.”

Detective Sergeant Matthew Edwards, who supervised the investigation, added: “These incidents were terrifying and distressing for all the victims involved. During both incidents, staff were threatened with a firearm and the victim working in Portskewett had petrol squirted over her, before money was stolen.

“There was no regard for any of the victims who were merely going about their daily working routine. This was a complex and protracted investigation which DC Carrie Streeter worked tirelessly and methodically on over a period of 18 months to ensure those that were responsible were brought to justice.”