A KNIFE-wielding robber who terrorised students in broad daylight has been jailed for life to protect the public.

Gary Moody, 20, robbed three Sunderland University students in seven days during the first week of May this year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how one 19-year-old had a large knife held to his throat and another teenager had the blade held to his chest.

Cash, mobile phones, credit cards and bank cards were taken after the victims were ordered to empty their pockets. Moody then used the cards in city centre shops.

He managed to use one of the cards to buy a mobile telephone but the rest were refused by shop staff.

Moody tried to carry out a fourth attack that week, in the same area of Neville Road as the others, but his victim escaped.

Moody, of Gillhurst Grange, Millfield, Sunderland, admitted robbery, attempted robbery, obtaining property by deception, trying to obtain property by deception and possessing a bladed article.

Judge David Hodson told Moody: "You pose a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm. The parole board will decide whether it is safe for you to be released."

Jamie Adams, mitigating, said Moody never intended to actually use the knife. He said: "Even when there was resistance, there was not any use of the knife."