Last updated at 16:40, Friday, 04 January 2013

A TERRIFIED schoolboy was viciously robbed of his pocket money by a drunken thug in Barrow.

GUILTY: Liam Woodburn, 21, admitted robbery when he appeared at Furness Magistrates’ Court yesterday

Liam Woodburn, 21, pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery at Furness Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The court heard how Woodburn, accompanied by a dog, approached the 12-year-old victim in Jarrow Street on New Year’s Day.

He demanded cigarettes from the victim and his two companions, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The court heard that when the terrified youngster said he did not have any cigarettes, Woodburn said: “If I knock you down, will you still say no?”

When the victim still could not produce any cigarettes, Woodburn, of Langdale Grove, grabbed him and squeezed him by the throat, demanding money instead.

The child emptied his pockets and gave his attacker the change he had, which amounted to £2.

Woodburn then made off down Jarrow Street towards Salthouse Road. The youngster and his three friends reported the incident to an adult nearby, who alerted police officers.

Woodburn’s description was recognised by police and he was subsequently arrested.

Mr Andrew Dodd, prosecuting, said: “The aggressive robbery was a traumatising experience for the victim, and two of his friends have witnessed a traumatic experience.”

“He (Woodburn) was completely consumed in drink.”

Mr Dodd asked the court to deny bail to Woodburn, to prevent him intimidating witnesses.

Mr Andrew Gibson, defending said: “He used to appear regularly before youth court, but since he turned 18 he has only been before the adult court once, in October 2011.”

Mr Gibson said that Woodburn claimed he did not remember the incident and said: “It does not sound like something I would do.”

Magistrate Mrs Margaret Robertson transferred the case to Preston Crown Court.

Woodburn is due to be sentenced at the crown court on March 28.

Woodburn was granted bail on the conditions that he does not approach or attempt to make contact with the three prosecution witnesses, and that he resides with his mother at Langdale Grove.

First published at 16:38, Friday, 04 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk