A TROUBLED youth who mugged a vulnerable 16-year-old was spared jail but a judge labelled him a bully'.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Gareth Erangey, 18, knew the Accrington victim was picked on by others but took £10 off him.

The defendant, who left the 16-year-old in tears, later told police he felt bad about what he had done.

Erangey, said to have been diagnosed with ADHD when he was eight, admitted robbing the teenager in Accrington last October.

The defendant had been given a community order just four months before. He now lives in Blackpool.

Sentencing, Judge Beverley Lunt told him: "You are a bully and a thief and that's what this robbery was."

She said Erangey knew the victim had problems and was targeted and he was supposed to know what that felt like.

Judge Lunt said she had at first thought of sending the defendant to jail but his barrister had persuaded her not to.

She added: "Perhaps you are growing up. I hope so. I will give you a chance to show me you are."

Erangey was given 48 weeks in jail, suspended for two years, with 12 months supervision and 80 hours unpaid work.

Silvia Dacre, prosecuting, told the court the 16-year-old boy was sent for a £10 electricity card and was confronted by the defendant and an accomplice.

Erangey asked the victim for a cigarette then went through his pockets, pulling his hands out by force. He took the cash from the boy.

The victim asked for the money back, the defendant threatened to punch him and did so, giving him a sore jaw.

Amanda Johnson, defending, said Erangey suffered from ADHD and had had behavioural problems at school.