A MASKED mugger who robbed a terrified teenager at knifepoint in the street has been jailed.

Steven Edwards, 18, targeted the 17-year-old student for his £120 Smartphone to get cash for drugs.

But the phone's screen was cracked and Edwards threw it back at the victim and made off empty-handed, Burnley Crown Court was told.

Edwards, who struck in Burnley town centre, left the teenager in shock and suffering sleepless nights after his ordeal on St James Street on January 7.

The defendant, of Elm Street, Burnley, who has a conviction for possessing a machete, admitted robbery and possessing an offensive weapon.

Michael Wallbank, prosecuting, said the victim and a friend saw two men walking towards them.

Both had their hoods up and scarves around their faces.

As they drew level, one man asked the victim for the time and the teenager took his mobile phone out and told him: “It’s about 8pm.”

Edwards then said: “Give me your phone.” He held a knife about 12 inches from the victim’s stomach.

The teenager tried to remove his SIM card but the defendant reached for the phone before throwing it back. Police used CCTV to trace the offender. Edwards owned up and said the other man played no part.

The prosecutor said the student felt angry over the robbery and had told police: “If I could ask him one question, I would ask him why me?”

The defendant had 36 offences on his record.

James Hawks, for Edwards, said he had been addicted to cannabis from an early age.

He said: “He does have a terrible record for one so young, but violent offending doesn't feature heavily.

“This can truly be described as a brainless piece of offending behaviour.”

Sentencing Edwards to three years and eight months in jail, Recorder Kevin Talbot said: “This must have been terrifying for any victim who is unarmed and at this age.

“He must have been vulnerable when you were in possession of this knife.”