AN AGGRESSIVE teenager who robbed another youth in Witham has avoided a prison term.

The robber, who cannot be named for legal reasons, demanded the victim’s phone in Spa Road, Witham, on January 1.

After admitting robbery he failed to appear for sentencing earlier this month.

On Monday, the 15-year-old met his fate at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Mark Halsey, prosecuting, said: “It was late and dark, the defendant says he approached the victim, wanting him to apologise for a previous incident.

“When the victim did not apologise, he demanded his £300 iPhone 4S.”

He said the teenager had pursued the victim who had ran, slipped and fell.

The victim was 14 at the time, as was the defendant.

Judge Jonathan Seely said because of the teen’s history of violence, including battery, a custodial sentence may be appropriate.

However James Onalaja, defending, said he had had a troubled past.

He said: “This is not a young man who goes around robbing people, this is an incident that has risen out of that inability to control his anger. It has risen from trying to be accepted by his peers.”

Speaking about the teen’s failure to appear in court earlier this month, Mr Onalaja said: “I must express his apology from the outset.

“This is a young man who, over a short period of time, has shown a pattern of aggression towards people.

“The aggression, it appears, stems from a young man that feels lost and doesn’t feel at home any- where.”

In response, Judge Seely said: “His troubles, whilst perhaps providing a partial explanation as to his very concerning offending behaviour, does not in any shape or form provide an excuse for the offending.”

The defendant was sentenced to a 12-month youth rehabilitation order, a three-month electronically monitored curfew between 9pm and 7am, and to pay £300 in compensation.

His curfew was then extended to four months for admitting to failing to appear in court.

Judge Seely added: “You have to learn that very fast, the offending is not going to be brushed under the carpet, it’s unacceptable.

“You need to understand you are getting a relatively lenient sentence because of your age.”