Robber in attack on teenager is jailed

A teenager who butted a schoolboy unconscious during a knifepoint robbery in Wolverhampton was today behind bars.

Latino Patel, aged 17, of Church Street, in Heath Town, has been given a 36 month detention order after Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday heard he left the 15-year-old victim fearing for his life.

Passing sentence, Judge Nicholas Webb told him: "This was a particularly nasty and unpleasant confrontation which has left the victim feeling uneasy and nervous when he is alone in public.

"He was assaulted, punched, headbutted and threatened with a knife.

"This robbery involves use of weapon to threaten and the inflicting of serious force.

"I hope you start to grow up very soon."

Mr Warren Stanier, prosecuting, said the 15-year-old was walking along Vicarage Road, in All Saints, on January 2 when Patel and a 16-year-old approached him and asked him how much money he had.

The victim took his wallet out of his pocket and the two thugs grabbed a £20 note and started to punch him.

Patel then pulled a knife out of his pocket and brandished it towards the victim while shouting threats.

He then butted the schoolboy and knocked him unconscious before the pair stole his phone, wallet and £20 note.

"The victim ran home with a nose bleed, and pain in his shoulder, nose and head," added Mr Stanier.

"He told police he thought he would be killed and was very frightened.

"He is now scared he will be physically assaulted when out in public."

Mr David Perry, defending, said Patel had fallen in with a gang of "unsavoury" youths after being expelled from school and was influenced by peer pressure.

"He is beginning to show signs of growing up and wants to keep away from gang culture when he is released," added Mr Perry.

The court heard Patel, who admitted one count of robbery, was on bail for a previous robbery at the time of the offence.