Two drug addicts who committed a string of armed robberies at stores in Stourbridge, Pensnett and Brierley Hill have been jailed for nearly fifteen years.

Mark Rollason and James Taplin wore masks and had weapons including a knife and a hammer with them during the 16-day crime spree, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told. 

31-year-old Taplin was identified after dropping a glove containing his DNA following a raid in The Coseley area. Rollason, also 31, was caught on CCTV in a nearby pub still wearing the skull mask he wore during the raid.

Taplin, of Hawthorn Road, Tipton admitted five robberies and was jailed for eight years. Rollason of Albion Field Drive, West Bromwich, pleaded guilty to four robberies and was sentenced to six years, seven months.