A teenager has been sentenced after admitting to a number of mobile phone thefts.
Lee Robinson, 18, of Alexandra Road, Morecambe, appeared at Preston Youth Court on August 31 in connection with a number of offences committed in Manchester.
Robinson pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery after admitting cycling past members of the public, stealing their phones.
During the hearing he also admitted to three offences of theft and two attempted thefts in Lancaster city centre, committed between July 27 and August 8.
These were taken into consideration at court. All related to phone thefts, except for one attempt to steal a handbag.
Robinson was issued with a 24-month youth rehabilitation order with requirements for regular drug tests, 80 hours unpaid work and an electronically tagged curfew from 7pm to 5am everyday until November 30.
Insp John Jennings-Wharton, of the Lancaster and Morecambe neighbourhood policing team, said: “Robinson’s actions provoked fear and panic in the community.
“He would cycle towards his victims, often snatching their phone out of their hand, before making off from the scene.
“When these allegations were reported to us we took them extremely seriously, working with colleagues at Greater Manchester Police, who had received similar reports.
"I would like to place on record my thanks to everyone who assisted in this investigation, including GMP.
“Robinson admitted his guilt at court which we welcome.
"I hope he can reflect on his behaviour to better himself, as well as understanding the harm and upset he has caused.”
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