TWO men tricked an Iranian student into believing they had a flat to rent before brutally beating and robbing him, a court heard.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Alireza Baghbani, 38, was attacked before being marched to a cashpoint machine.

Anthony Ord, 24, and Darren Bruce, 31, yesterday pleaded guilty to kidnap and robbery.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Mr Baghbani had been living in the Gilesgate area of Durham but needed new accommodation.

He finished work on June 5 intending to look at a property in Sherburn Road, but the flat had been rented out.

Two men approached him and offered to show him a property in New Durham Mall.

The court heard how once inside the flat he discovered he had been tricked and was subjected to a terrifying attack before being forced to empty his bank account.

Stuart Graham, prosecuting, told the court: "He had his shoes taken from him and money was demanded. The defendant Ord then hit him in the nose.

"Mr Baghbani took out his wallet where there was £30 and a cash card. Bruce stated that he should hand over the cash and card and give up the pin number.

"Ord kicked him again. Bruce then held a pen to his eye and threatened to stab him in the eye if he didn't co-operate. He was hit again in the nose and said he wanted to leave, he was restrained and was too frightened to struggle."

Mr Baghbani was forced to a nearby Tesco store where he took out £200 from a cash machine. He was then freed.

Police recognised Bruce and Ord from security camera footage and they were arrested.

Bruce, of New Durham Mall, County Durham, was jailed for six years and ordered to serve 166 days remaining from a previous sentence. Ord also of New Durham Mall, was jailed for five years.