TWO muggers have been jailed after a man was robbed of his wallet as he walked to a local takeaway to buy food.

David Walsh and Jenna Burlison followed the victim after asking him for money outside of the Spaghetti Junction takeaway in Stockton, on June 21 this year.

Prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, Rachel Masters said Walsh, of Hartington Road, Stockton, pushed the man over and then punched him repeatedly to the head.

Meanwhile, Burlison went through his pockets and took his wallet, shouting: “I’ve got it, I’ve got it.”

Police later arrested the pair with Walsh telling officers by way of explanation: “A lad owed me money so I battered him.”

Burlison, Walsh’s cousin, said she had been drinking most of the day and remembered little of the incident.

The stolen wallet was recovered, although £120 cash had been taken which the victim said he intended to use to renew his passport.

He said he was now scared to go out on his own as a result of the robbery.

Walsh, 24, apologised for the incident. He was said to be off drugs and wanted to work following his release from prison.

Rebecca Dyson, for 28-year-old Burlison, of Eggleston Terrace, Stockton, said she had approached a local drugs treatment centre for help.

She said: “She expresses remorse and regret and is ashamed of her behaviour."

Recorder Susan Taylor said the offence was unplanned and both defendants had pleaded guilty to robbery at the first opportunity.

But she said: “The person who you assaulted is still suffering the effects of your conduct to this day.”

Recorder Taylor jailed Walsh for two years. She said that Burlison, who had played a lesser role, would serve 18 months jail.

Both will pay £1,000 each in charges to the court.