Brothers jailed for robbing teenager in park

Andrew and Mark Blackburn pocketed the youth’s £50 birthday money and his mobile phone after threatening him in Gotts Park, Stanningley Road, Armley, Leeds, on May 23.

Heather Gilmore prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court yesterday the pair shouted at the teenager after he passed them as he was walking home from school.

When he turned round they walked back towards him and one put down a carrier bag which appeared to be full of beer cans.

The other was holding what appeared to be a rounders bat and told the teenager: “Give me your phone or I am going to hit you.”

The youth claimed he did not have a phone but Mark Blackburn said he had seen him using one and Andrew Blackburn threatened to punch him if he did not hand it over.

Andrew Blackburn then went through the teenager’s pockets and stole his £400 mobile phone and cash.

Miss Gilmore said the youth reported the robbery when he got home and the pair were arrested within days and denied responsibility.

The teenager, who had now left school said as a result of the incident he had lost confidence and did not like to go out which made it difficult to find work.

The court heard Andrew Blackburn, 26, had previously received 16 months in 2007 for two street robberies and was on licence in May from a jail term imposed for burglary.

He was jailed for three years four months while Mark Blackburn, 30, was jailed for two years. Both were described as homeless and admitted robbery.

Gareth Moore, representing Andrew Blackburn, said he had been heavily intoxicated at the time of the offence, which was committed on the spur of the moment.

Angus Macdonald representing his brother said he regretted the effect the attack had had on their victim.