AN attacker who took part in two violent street robberies within the space of a few hours has been jailed for four years.

Steven Southam, 22, was one of a trio who robbed a man as he walked home alone from a night out in Sunderland city centre in the last evening of March 8.

The victim was searched and had his mobile phone and wallet taken before the attackers fled.

In the early hours of the following morning Southam was again part of a trio who targeted a student at a cash point in the city.

This time the victim, who lost £40 and his bank card, had clothing ripped and was left with a bloody nose.

When Southam was arrested in the area that night he punched and kicked out at the police officer trying to detain him.

Southam, of Carly Road, Sunderland, admitted two charges of robbery and assaulting a police constable.

Defence barrister Robin Patton told Newcastle Crown Court that Southam wants to take steps while in custody to avoid getting into trouble in the future.

Mr Patton said: "He himself acknowledges he has an addiction to drugs that he needs to tackle."

Judge John Mitford senteced Southam to four years behind bars.

The judge told him: "These are robberies of people in the street and one closely followed the other.

"I am quite satisfied these offences are so serious no sentence other than a custodial sentence can be justified."