Thugs sentenced for robbery of teens

A PAIR of Felixstowe louts have been told to do unpaid work for the community after they robbed two younger boys of their mobile telephones.Samuel Hughes and James Tibbenham were also told if they reoffended within the next two years they would also be sent to a Young Offender's Institute.

A PAIR of Felixstowe louts have been told to do unpaid work for the community after they robbed two younger boys of their mobile telephones.

Samuel Hughes and James Tibbenham were also told if they reoffended within the next two years they would also be sent to a Young Offender's Institute.

Ipswich Crown Court heard that Hughes, 19, of Waveney Road, and Tibbenham, 18, of Martinet Green, threatened to break the legs of the two 15-year-olds if they did not hand over their mobile phones.

Hughes and Tibbenham pleaded guilty to committing robbery.

Neil Macaulay, mitigating for Hughes, said his client had since apologised to his victim.

Adam Budworth, acting for Tibbenham, said his client was only 16 at the time of the offence and was now willing to accept help regarding his alcohol problems.

Mr Recorder Gerard Pounder said: “Using threats of violence to take away younger people's mobile phones is not acceptable. If you had not pleaded guilty you would have both gone straight to a Young Offender's Institute.”

Hughes was sentenced to seven months in a Young Offender's Institute and Tibbenham was sentenced to six months but the terms were suspended for two years during which time they are to be under the supervision of probation officers.

Both were ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work for the community within 12 months and each was told to pay their respective victim £50 compensation.