A STUDENT was attacked by three robbers as he walked alone through the city centre at night.

Shane Donnolly, 19, was targeted as he went through an underpass at Sunderland University metro station on November 6.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Mr Donnolly, who was studying at the university, was robbed of his mobile phone and kicked as he struggled with one of his attackers on the ground.

Despite his ordeal he was not seriously injured and did not require hospital treatment.

Steven Armstrong, who lived homeless in the city, admitted robbery.

The court heard how the 19-year-old approached Mr Don-nolly and initially asked him for a cigarette.

When his request was refused, he demanded Mr Donnolly's mobile phone and struggled with him on the ground.

It was while they were on the floor, Mr Donnolly was kicked by Armstrong's two accomplices, who have never been traced.

Mr Justice Wilkie yesterday jailed Armstrong for 16 months.

Roger Moore, mitigating, told the court how Armstrong had been living on the streets and spending what money he had from benefits on alcohol when he committed the offence.