A MASKED teenager who robbed two security guards has avoided custody because he was encouraged by an older man.

Durham Crown Court was told that Thomas Henderson, 15, struck twice in nine days at a demolition site in Dipton, the first time wielding what was thought to be an iron bar, the second with what appeared to be a knife.

Both times he approached the part-time guards, both students, undisguised, talked to them and returned later to demand they hand over their valuables.

Peter Schofield, prosecuting, said the first guard gave his bag and £35 cash. The second guard gave £50 after Henderson tried to break his car windscreen.

Both victims were frightened but unhurt, the court heard.

After his arrest, Henderson denied the robberies but admitted going to the site to look for his dog.

Brian Russell, in mitigation, said the iron bar was a piece of wood and that Henderson denied producing a knife.

"This 15-year-old is very shy and very timid. It is very hard to believe he could be involved in these offences.

"The only explanation is that he was in thrall to someone older and more sinister.''

He said Henderson, who was impressionable and had no previous convictions, no longer associated with the man, who was not charged, and had gone back to making efforts at school and with sport.

Judge John Milford QC said the offences would normally warrant a custodial sentence, but he was following the recommendation of pre-sentence reports because Henderson had been influenced by the man and custody would expose him to more criminals.

Henderson, of White-le-Head Gardens, Tantobie, near Stanley, who pleaded guilty to the robberies, was given a 12-month supervision order including a three-month curfew.