Two suspected teenage gang-members walked free from court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to being involved in a violent robbery in Croydon town centre.

Sanchez Banton, 18, and a 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, were involved in the robbery of Just Leathers in North End on February 20, just two days after a pitched gang battle took place in the town centre.

Don’t Say Nothing (DSN) and arch-rivals Shine My Nine (SMN) turned the town centre into a battlefield when they fought each other in front of terrified shoppers.

After the fight, more than 30 police officers carried out simultaneous raids on suspected gang members.

Six people were arrested after officers from the Aries gang unit swooped on the youths in March.

CCTV footage played in court showed more than 10 suspected gang members descending on Just Leathers, stealing leather jackets and assaulting members of staff in the swift and violent raid.

In the video the group are seen hanging around outside the shop until two young men enter. They then force their way into the shop past staff, allowing the two thieves to make their getaway with the jackets.

As the rest of the youths run off in different directions, CCTV shows the 17-year-old fighting with the shopkeeper, who retreats to his shop while the teenager gestures that he has a knife.

On Wednesday, the 17-year-old received a 12-month rehabilitation order and 60 hours of community service after convincing magistrates he had changed his ways.

Banton was given a 15-month rehabilitation order and was also ordered to carry out 60 hours of community service.

A police source said: “Once again these youths walk away with a slap on the wrist for what is a very serious crime. Is it any wonder youth violence is still a problem when they are given such lenient punishments?”