A SOUTHAMPTON teen has been jailed for a petrol station robbery.

Ben Dwyer, 18, of no fixed abode has been sentenced to 38 months in prison following an investigation by officers in the Western Investigation Team based at Southampton Central Police Station.

Dwyer admitted his part in the robbery that happened at 10pm on Sunday, December 16 2018, where staff at Sainsbury's petrol station in Lordshill were threatened with hammers and crowbars.

A total of £1,520 in cash and more than £3,500 worth of cigarettes were stolen.

No stolen items were ever recovered but Dwyer was arrested on January 16 and charged the next day.

None of the CCTV showed Dwyer’s face, but he was identified via forensic evidence left at the scene, namely his blood after he smashed the office window to try and access the staff and safe.

He pleaded guilty to robbery at his first hearing at Southampton Crown Court on February 15 and now, he has been sentenced to 38 months in prison.

Detective Constable Lisa Robins from the Western Investigation Team said: “This was a fast-paced investigation into what was a frightening ordeal for the station’s employees.

“Staff were confronted and threatened with weapons, and even though the whole ideal must have been only a few minutes, it must have been terrifying.

“Fortunately Dwyer has been taken off of our streets. I hope this sends a message to others out there that think they can get away with committing robberies against businesses is Southampton. We will always catch up with you.

“The act might be quick but your prison sentence won’t be.”