A THUG who launched a violent attack on a man to steal £5 from him has been locked up.

Steven Dillistone chased the man through the streets while assaulting him as he demanded the cash he claims the victim owed him.

The 23-year-old was caught on CCTV throwing punches at the victim’s head and tried to get out of the way but Dillistone continued to punch and headbutt him.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the defendant then chased the man through the streets of Darlington before stealing his cash after bumping into him on Clifton Road.

Read more: Young thug kicked woman in the face TWICE during violent attack

Laura Jane Miller, prosecuting, said: “The defendant pinned the man against a wall, grabbing him to the neck and placing his hands down the front of trousers to threaten the victim.

“The man handed over £5 and the defendant took the money before punching him again on two further occasions.

“The defendant walked away from the victim before turning back around and walking back towards him, again putting his hands down his trousers and he can be seen shouting towards him.

“His actions caused the victim to then run away. The police arrived at the scene after being alerted by CCTV operators, the defendant was located nearby and the money was found when he was arrested.”

The Northern Echo: Steven Dillistone. Picture: DURHAM CONSTABULARYSteven Dillistone. Picture: DURHAM CONSTABULARY

Dillistone, of Church View, Consett, pleaded guilty to robbery following that attack on March 14 this year.

Kelleigh Lodge, in mitigation, said her client suffers with mental health issues and has issues with anger management problems.

She added: “It would appear to be an impulsive action by him on this occasion.”

Miss Lodge said Dillistone maintained that his victim owed him the money but accepts that he was under the influence of drink and drugs at the time of the offence.

Judge Peter Armstrong sentenced Dillistone to 28 months behind bars for the daylight robbery.

He said: “You attacked the victim to get £5 back from him, you were punching him, you were headbutting him, and he was trying to get away but you pursued him continuing the violence against him.

“You ended up getting £5 from him.”

The judge ordered that the cash should be returned to the victim of the robbery.

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