THREE youths turned on a man they had been drinking with earlier, robbing him of cash, property and his training shoes.

Two of the assailants, 20-year-old Thomas Wales and Andrew Greener, 21, were last night behind bars after both admitted taking part in the attack.

Durham Crown Court heard the duo befriended their eventual victim after all three had been drinking around Consett town centre during one night last June.

Tim Gittins, prosecuting, said everything appeared amicable before they attended a nearby house party, where an amount of drink and drugs were taken.

Mr Gittins said that early the next morning, the 25-year-old man made to go, but was joined by Wales, Greener and a 17-year-old youth.

"Walking down a nearby alleyway, his arms were grabbed by two and a third took his legs from under him.

"He fell to the ground, and all three kicked him to the head and body, before rifling through his pockets, stealing £30, a medicine bottle, tobacco and a key ring."

He added: "They rounded off by even taking his brand new trainers, worth about £100."

The victim struggled to a nearby house for help, covered in cuts, bruises and swellings to his head and back.

He was taken to hospital for treatment, although Mr Gittins said he did not have to be detained.

When the trio responsible were arrested Greener was wearing the victim's trainers.

Greener, of Constance Street, Consett, Wales, of Park Road, South Moor, Stanley, and the 17-year-old accomplice all admitted robbery.

Euan Duff, for Wales, said it was "a complete departure" from any previous offending on his part.

Peter Kilgour, for Greener, said: "At the time of the offence, he was in the thrall of an alcohol and drug addiction and his recollection of much of the offending is blurred."

But he said following 212 days in custody since his arrest, Greener is no longer alcohol and drug dependent.

Greener, who also admitted four theft charges, all shoplifting incidents, was jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Wales was sent to a young offenders' institution for two years and the 17-year-old, who played a lesser role, was given a 12-month community supervision order.