A MAN who attacked a Blackburn student in the street has been jailed for five years.

Christopher Dickinson punched and kicked his victim to such an extent that when forced to hand over bank notes, they were soaked in blood, Preston Crown Court heard.

Dickinson, 20, of Islington, Blackburn, and a 17-year-old girl, admitted robbery. The girl, who the court ruled cannot be identified, was sentenced to three years' detention.

Their victim was walking on Simmons Street, Blackburn one early evening last November when he became aware of fast footsteps coming up behind him.

Dickinson delivered a punch which burst his nose and caused him to stumble backwards. The girl shouted "give us your money", said Miss Lisa Boocock, prosecuting.

After this Dickinson repeatedly punched the student and also kicked him. The girl laughed as she held a two to three inch bladed knife in front of him.

Ian Whitehurst, defending Dickinson, said he knew that a custody sentence would follow. He was an immature young man, with a history of behavioural problems. The sentence would be his first behind bars.

Ian Dacre, representing the girl, said she had been drunk that night.

She had had a chaotic lifestyle in the past, but had settled down more in recent weeks.

The judge, Recorder Andrew Gilbart QC, told Dickinson: "It is an outrageous offence, which must have caused great fear to the victim and which can only be met by a substantial period of custody."