TWO brothers have been cleared of robbing a cabbie but are awaiting sentence after being convicted of a lesser offence.

Martin Shaw, 22, formerly of Chatburn Close, Rawtenstall and Paul Shaw, 17, of Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, were found guilty of theft after a three day trial, at Burnley Crown Court.

They were bailed for reports until November 19 by Judge Barbara Watson who will sentence them at Preston Crown Court.

Burnley Crown Court had been told how the brothers were said to have demanded cash from victim Arshad Mahmood and punched and kicked him.

It was claimed one of the duo had his hands around Mr Mahmood's throat as if to strangle him and both abused him.

More than £100 cash and a mobile telephone were taken.

When the brothers were interviewed by police, they claimed there had been a scuffle after the driver grabbed one of them and they alleged he had just handed the money over.