A robber grabbed his victim by the throat and threatened: "I am a heroin addict and I'll kill you," a court heard yesterday.
Jamie Lawton, 21, pleaded guilty at Teesside Crown Court to the mugging in Billingham.
Prosecutor Ian West said that Lawton confronted Ian Harris, 20, as he stepped out of a phone box and begged £1. Then he grabbed Mr Harris round the neck, saying: "Give me more money or I will stab you."
Lawton, of no fixed address, snatched £10. He was arrested soon after the crime, on January 28.
Tim Roberts, defending said that Lawton, who had a record for robbery and burglary, had been detained in hospital on psychiatric grounds, but arrangements for supervision on his release fell down.
Judge Peter Fox QC adjourned sentence for further medical evidence.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article