TWO men who demanded cash from a student in a bungled street robbery - one brandishing a handgun - are behind bars.

Gary Moore, 18, and David Schofield, 21, were both sent to custody for 12 months after a judge told them a non-custodial sentence would not be fair to the public.

Recorder Maurice Haigh added an immediate custody term was in the public interest.

Moore, of Selby Close, and Schofield, 21, of Woodfield Avenue, both Baxenden, admitted attempted robbery.

In addition Moore pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm.

Prosecutor Chris Knight told Burnley Crown Court the victim was walking in Accrington last October when Schofield drove up in a car.

Moore got out of the passenger seat, grabbed the youth by the throat and wielded a weapon which turned out to be an air pistol.

Moore searched the teenager, who headbutted his would-be attacker in the face, giving him a chance to escape.

Moore then pursued him, threatening to shoot the youth.

Moore got back into the car and the next night the vehicle was stopped in Accrington. Police found the pistol under Moore's seat .

Richard Bennett, defending Moore, said what he had done was "totally out of character."

He wished to express his sincere apologies to his victim and had no previous convictions for violence.

Moore came from a good, caring home and the offences came out of foolishness rather than intention to cause fear.

Mr Bennett added: "In one act of brazen stupidity he has not only let down his family, but himself."

For Schofield, Tony Cross said he was emotionally and psychologically very immature and of limited intelligence.

The case was one that probably started out as bullying and became a mean and despicable show of bravado which got out of hand.

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