A YOUTH who pleaded guilty to robbing another teenager in the street was given a two-year detention and training order yesterday.

The victim, Simon Hymer, was walking into the centre of Middlesbrough to meet friends at 10.30pm on May 4 last year, when he saw a group of 15 teenagers, said Shaun Dodds, prosecuting.

One of the group placed a hand on his chest and demanded cigarettes and money. When he replied that he had neither he was hit over the head with a bottle, Teesside Crown Court was told. He was unable to say who struck him. He was taken to hospital with cuts to his head and wrist.

Jonnie Walker, defending the 16-year-old, from Middlesbrough, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said his client wished to express deep remorse for what he had done.

Judge Les Spittle told the youth: "The courts will do everything they can to stamp out this evil on our streets. People, young or old, should be allowed to walk the streets in safety."