A TEENAGE robber who bit a mother and punched her nine-year-old daughter has been sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Steven Williams set upon Carol McCartney as she was walking from the shops with her two children.

Williams, 18, of Craggs Street, Stockton, growled and then lunged at Mrs McCartney, grabbing her coat.

Christine Egerton, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court that Williams was kicking out at Mrs McCartney.

He then hit nine year-old Megan in the face, as she was attempting to help her mother, and bit Mrs McCartney's hand.

During the robbery in Nelson Terrace, Stockton, Mrs McCartney dropped her purse and Williams ran off with it.

A group of builders nearby gave chase, catching Williams who was arrested by police.

When he was searched a £10 note was found between the cheeks of his buttocks.

A further search of the robbery scene revealed a purse and credit cards stolen from Mrs McCartney.

Williams admitted a charge of robbery on April 19 and a separate offence of burglary, with a common assault charge ordered to lay on file.

He was picked out at an identity parade and blood on a shirt which had been ripped off him by Mrs McCartney also matched his DNA.

Williams had a string of previous convictions, including a robbery in which a lone woman was attacked, theft and taking a vehicle without consent. The latest robbery came a day after he was given a combination order at Teesside Crown Court for theft.

Nigel Soppitt, mitigating, said Williams had graduated into drugs and crime and had become "institutionalised" by spells in custody.

He was easily led and recognised that his behaviour had been abhorrent.

Recorder Mr Julian Norris said: "You are a danger to society. You committed a disgraceful, frightening robbery on a woman and two children.