Teenagers locked up for robberies

1:58pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

Two homeless teenagers who robbed young boys have been given custodial sentences.

Jamie Noble and Dean Smith, both 18, were squatting in a derelict property and went on the streets to steal, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

The pair were told by the Honorary Recorder of Bradford, Judge Stephen Gullick: “You targeted young boys, aged 12 to 14, in the street. Although the degree of violence used was by no means the most serious, by your sheer presence and acting together you doubtless scared the wits out of all of them.”

Prosecutor Gavin Howie said Smith and Noble went out to acquire mobile phones during the half-term week in February.

On February 13, two boys, aged 12 and 13, were walking in Shipley after shopping when they were approached by the two men. Smith grabbed one of the boys by the scruff of the neck, searched his pockets and took money.

The following day the pair stole two mobile phones after approaching another group of boys in Shipley.

They were arrested on February 15 and offered guilty pleas.

At a previous sentencing hearing, Smith tried to escape.

Mr Howie said a woman security officer tried to detain him but he left the dock. “He made his way out towards the exit whereupon Miss Charlotte Eastwood, of counsel, assisted by John Davies, of the Telegraph & Argus, was able to detain the fleeing Mr Smith long enough for other dock officers to get involved.”

Giles Bridge, for Smith, said he had resorted to the offences to survive and the actual violence used was limited.

Gerald Hendron, for Noble, said he had a troubled background and was a follower rather than a leader.

Smith, who admitted three robberies and attempting to escape from lawful custody, was sentenced to three years in a young-offender institution.

Noble pleaded guilty to two robberies and was sent to a young-offender institution for two years.

Judge Gullick told them: “I trust when you come out you will … make something of your lives. At the moment it appears to be going all downhill.”

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