A 17-YEAR-OLD who mugged two teenagers is behind bars after a judge said he was a persistent young offender.

Burnley Crown Court heard how James Driver, who also committed a burglary, had a previous conviction for robbery and a long record. His latest victims were 16 and 17 years old.

The defendant, of Keighley Avenue, Colne, had admitted two counts of robbery and one of burglary. He was given an 18-month detention and training order, and Judge Pamela Badley said it was the shortest term she could impose.

The judge said the court had to hesitate before sentencing someone the defendant's age.

She said the Youth Offending Team had asked her to consider dealing with Driver by means of a non-custodial but demanding programme in the community.

Judge Badley said: "You have reached the level where this is not possible. There are other judges who would have considered you a danger to the public."

The judge said this was the last occasion the defendant would be treated as a young person and told him :"If you commit another robbery a court is going to find you are a dangerous offender and you are likely to serve a very long time indeed."