A 31-YEAR-OLD man has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with robbing a 71 year old wheelchair-bound man on Sunday night.

Marc Anthony Fareham, of the Islington Hotel, Great Bolton Street, Blackburn, was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court.

He is charged with robbing Thomas Mullins of a mobile phone, £100 and a packet of tobacco.

The court heard that Mr Mullins had spent Sunday afternoon socialising with friends in Pitchers Bar before going to the Sun Inn.

He left about 10 pm and was allegedly attacked by two men as he made his way along Weir Street in his electronically-powered wheelchair.

Prosecutor Claire Fanning said he was dragged from his wheelchair.

While one man held him down with a foot on his chest, the other searched his pockets.