TWO teenagers involved in street robberies were last night both beginning custodial sentences.

Shane Peacock and David Young, both 18, picked on "soft targets" who they approached on bikes in separate incidents in Darlington.

Durham Crown Court heard that Peacock was among three youths who targeted a 19-year-old with learning difficulties in Surtees Street, on the evening of February 11.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said although the victim tried walking away, one of them grabbed him while the other two sat astride their bikes on either side to prevent him escaping.

Peacock went through his pockets, and the victim was punched twice in the chest before he handed over £15.

Mr Dodds said the victim was struck again before the trio fled, leaving him with a fractured rib bone.

Peacock was arrested and, while on bail, he committed a similar offence in June, with Young, who had only been released from a previous sentence six days earlier.

They approached a young male victim on their bikes, in Stanhope Road, and sat either side of him, demanding cigarettes and money.

They threatened him, and he handed over £70 in cash, a wallet containing a credit card, and a mini-disc player, worth a total of £155.

Mr Dodds said Peacock was arrested four days later in possession of the mini-disc player, while Young was identified by the victim as one of those involved.

Jamie Hill, for Peacock, said he has been in custody for four months prior to the hearing.

Graham Gaston, for Young, said he had a troubled background and has been in custody for all but 24 days of the last three years.

Peacock, of Melville Street, Darlington, admitted two charges of robbery and Young, of Elmsley Terrace in the town, admitted a single count, having five previous similar offences on his record.

Both were sent to a young offenders institution for 21 months and Young was ordered to serve a further six months outstanding from a previous unexpired sentence.