A drug addict, who robbed a passer-by and a shopkeeper in Oxford and stole alcohol from another shop, has been jailed indefinitely.

Sonnie Wakeling, 22, of no fixed address, had previously pleaded guilty to the two robberies and the theft, and asked for 13 similar offences to be taken into account when he appeared at Oxford Crown Court.

Cameron Brown, prosecuting, said the first robbery was against Lennie Jamieson in Broad Street, Oxford, on November 5 last year, He said: "Mr Jamieson was approached by a white male and female. He knew the male was Sonnie Wakeling, who said 'lend me some money' and then said 'you either give me some money or I'll take it off you'."

Mr Brown said Wakeling, who was was helped by another man, pushed Mr Jamieson against a wall, searched his pockets and stole his mobile phone and cash before running off.

He said Wakeling had admitted shoplifting from the Local Store, in London Road, Headington, on January 15, where he had stolen three bottles of alcohol.

The next robbery was at Threshers, in Old High Street, Headington, on January 18.

The court heard that Wakeling told Philip Gilbert, who worked at the shop, he had a dirty needle and took a container with a needle out of his pocket.

Wakeling took four bottles of cognac worth £96.95. Mr Brown said since the incident Mr Gilbert had become concerned about people entering the shop.

The court was told Wakeling had a string of previous convictions, including one for robbing Mr Jamieson in 2002.

Paul Mitchell, defending, said: "He wants to clear himself of his drug habit, make the most of his time in custody, then come out and start afresh. He has had a difficult life, was expelled from school, began smoking crack cocaine when he was 15 and taking heroin by the time he was 16.

"Subsequently he has taken amphetamine, LSD and drunk to excess and that has been his life. But there's every sign from letters from the prison that at 22 he's starting to grow up a bit."

The Recorder, Christopher Blackford, told Wakeling: "Your behaviour has had a serious effect on the life of Mr Gilbert and an even more serious effect on Mr Jamieson.

"The minimum period you must serve in custody is 36 months before the parole board may consider your release, less the 151 days you have served."

He said the parole board would only consider his release after it was satisfied Wakeling should no longer be confined in custody for the protection of the public. When he is released, he will be on licence for 10 years.