A TEENAGER who produced a Stanley knife during a street robbery was given an 18-month detention order at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, told the court that on December 16 the 15-year-old had approached a youth in Conniscliffe Road, Darlington, and asked him for 20p.

As the boy produced his wallet the teenager grabbed at it. When the victim snatched it back the defendant had taken a Stanley knife out of his pocket, prompting his victim to hand over £1.50.

Mr Newcombe said that on January 12, while on bail for the first offence, the teenager approached another youth in Salters Lane, Darlington, and asked for 20p. He reached into the victim's pocket which contained the boy's paper round pay of £12.

Jim Withyman, defending, said the teenager was sorry for his actions.

Sentencing the teenager on two charges of robbery Judge David Bryant imposed an 18-month detention and training order. He also imposed a 12-month parenting order on the boy's mother, part of which will require her to attend weekly counselling or guidance sessions for three months.