ARMED robbers who raided two bookmakers in Colchester have been jailed.

A gang concocted a plan, in a YMCA bedroom, before holding up staff while armed with an imitation gun and a meat cleaver.

Jay Connelly, 20, of Magdalen Street, admitted conspiracy to commit robberies during his trial.

Sheldon Dodge, 25, of Stanfield Close, was convicted of the same offence by a jury following a second trial.

The first raid took place at the Coral bookmakers at the Willows shopping precinct in January, 2014.

Two men entered. One was carrying the cleaver, the other what appeared to be a gun wrapped in a cloth.

Both men had their faces covered with scarves with hoods up.

They stole £360.

Later that month a man entered Ladbrokes in Bourne Road and brandished a gun at the staff.

He fled with £550 stuffed into supermarket bags.

The imitation weapon, clothes used in the raids and a white cloth were discovered when police searched Connelly’s room.

Judge David Turner QC, sentenced Dodge to seven years in prison and Connelly to six years at a young offenders' institution at Chelmsford Crown Court today.

More to follow.