A JUDGE has sent two would-be robbers behind bars.

Darrell Aldore and Khizer Baig tried to mug a man who was using his mobile phone as he walked along Whalley Range, Blackburn. An off-duty police officer and a relative went to the victim's aid.

Judge Anthony ussell QC imposed custodial sentences at Preston Crown Court and said: "When people are brought to the court, the almost inevitable consequence is serious punishment will follow."

Aldore, 22, of Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, was given a total of two years and three months youth custody. He admitted the attempted robbery and other offences of unlawful wounding and burglary. Baig, 22, of Beechwood Court, Blackburn, denied the attempted robbery, but a jury convicted him. He was given 20 months youth custody.

Aldore had also carried out the two other offences. One was the wounding on a young man who had a glass thrown in his face. The other offence was a burglary on Glenfield Close, Blackburn where an amount of property, including £2,000 in jewellery, was stolen.

Charles Brown, defending Aldore, said his client expressed genuine remorse and had been using alcohol and "dabbling" with illegal drugs at the time of the offences.

Counsel for Baig said he had been in drink at the time of the offence.