TWO men have appeared in court in connection with a string of violent robberies in Laindon.

Daniel Jacobs, 26, of Mynchens, Basildon is accused of robbing a 58- year-old woman of her handbag containing an iPhone, another mobile phone, cash and bank cards as she left Laindon Railway Station with her husband on November 15.

The woman fell to the floor and hit her head during the scuffle and needed ten staples to her head at Basildon Hospital.

Jacobs is also accused of seven counts of fraud by false representation in connection to the use of stolen banks cards at supermarkets, banks and petrol stations in Basildon and Laindon.

Carl Willings, 43, of Pickwick Close, Laindon, is accused of robbing a different woman of her handbag in Dordells, Laindon, on Friday, November 14 while he walking his German shepherd dog.

It is alleged the 55-year-old victim stopped to check her mobile phone when Willings grabbed her from behind and snatched her handbag.

Willings also faces eight counts of fraud by false representation in relation to the use of stolen bank cards at cash points, supermarkets and shops across the Basildon borough.

Willings wore a red prison tracksuit as he appeared in the dock next to Jacobs who wore red prison-issue tracksuit bottoms and a grey polo shirt.

Both only spoke to confirm their names, ages and addresses.

They did not enter pleas and were told the charges against them were so serious their cases would be sent straight to Basildon Crown Court.

Willings chose not to make a bail application.

Jacobs applied for bail through his solicitor but the application was turned down by the magistrates.

Willings and Jacobs will next appear at Basildon Crown Court for a plea and case management