A PROLIFIC teenage crook who robbed two frightened young men at Dudley bus station has been jailed for 56 months.

Thomas Rose told his first victim, “I will stab you if you do not do what I say,” before forcing the 15-year-old to hand over his money.

The following day, Rose approached a 17-year-old at the bus station and demanded that he had over his mobile telephone.

Wolverhampton Crown Court was told the two young men later told police officers they felt they were going to be stabbed and they were now wary about going into Dudley town centre.

Judge Amjad Nawaz told Rose his criminal record was “bordering on deplorable" for an 18-year-old.

He told the teenager that while no physical violence had been used towards his victims, there had been a “serious level of psychological damage".

The youngest victim, added the judge, had suffered the indignity of having to kiss Rose's shoes before he got away with just £3.

“You have come within a hair’s breadth of being considered dangerous,” he told Rose.

Christopher O’Gorman, defending, said Rose had had a “turbulent” upbringing but he now realised it was time to put his life back onto the tracks.

The court was told the teenager had 24 previous convictions on his criminal record including robberies, burglary, theft and criminal damage.

Rose, of Sidwick Crescent, Ettingshall, admitted carrying out the two Dudley robberies and the judge ruled only a substantial term of custody was appropriate for the crimes.