TWO violent brothers from Bewsey have been sent to prison for robbing a taxi driver.

Sean and Kevin Whelan, aged 28 and 21 respectively, from Southworth Avenue appeared at Warrington Crown Court on Monday.

The brothers stole £100 from the taxi driver, his credit cards and mobile phone after he drove them back to Warrington from Chester on November 23 last year.

The court heard that Sean Whelan put his arm around the victim's head and held his keys against his throat, which the driver believed to be a knife, and told him he would be cut if he did not hand over his cash.

After robbing the taxi driver, Kevin went on to steal an RSPCA collection box and cigarettes from a Spar shop, also threatening the shop assistant with what she believed to be a knife.

Both brothers pleaded guilty to robbery.

In addition, Sean appeared on charges of actual bodily harm to a police officer after pleading guilty to assaulting the officer on October 8 last year.

He punched his victim in the face, causing an inch-and-a-half bruise and bit his chin until it bled.

He was also found guilty of threats to kill the children of one of his brothers.

David Jones, prosecuting, told the court that on June 18 last year Whelan had told an extended family member that he wanted to hurt his brother and the way to do that would be through his children.

Mr Jones said: "The defendant told the witness I have a gun coming and I'm going to shoot the kids.

"I'm going to burn the house down and if the kids come out I'm going to shoot them and if you tell the police you will be on my list as well.'"

Sean Whelan received a jail term of four years while, Kevin, was jailed for three years.