A TEENAGER whose first offence was the knife-point robbery of a 12-year-old boy, has been given a two-year custodial sentence.

Ross David Flynn held a small knife as he confronted the boy asking for 50p.

But his terrified victim, who was wearing his school blazer, accidentally dropped a £20 note from his pocket as he fumbled for change to meet Flynn's demand.

Flynn took the note and made off, leaving the distressed boy to return home to tell his parents what had happened.

Paul Hunter, prosecuting, told Durham Crown Court last week that the boy was on his way to buy a Valentine's card when he was confronted, in Front Street, Chesterle- Street, early on the evening of February 13.

Although other known local teenage troublemakers came under police scrutiny for the offence, inquiries eventually led to 18-yearold Flynn, who has no criminal record.

He told officers he was, put up to it', by other youths who he felt under pressure to pay money to, said Mr Hunter.

Flynn, of Weldon Terrace, Chester-le-Street, admitted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

Tony Davis, mitigating, said Flynn fell in with more criminally active youths at the time.

He said: "It was an outof- character aberration, probably forced upon him by those more criminally sophisticated than him."

Mr Davis said since the incident, however, Flynn's family has taken him out of the area, living in a caravan for much of the time, to keep him away from their influence.

Flynn has also secured employment, while his girlfriend is expecting his child, which will present him with new responsibilities, said Mr Davis.

Imposing a two-year sentence in a young offenders' institution, Judge David Bryant told Flynn that despite his previous good character, robbery remains a serious offence'.

He added: "It becomes a significantly more serious offence when a weapon, like a knife, is used, if only as an implied threat."

11:01am Friday 4th July 2008

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