A MAN who threatened young teenagers for their pocket money was locked up for 27 months yesterday.

Mark Anthony Costen, 18, preyed on youths in Darlington, County Durham, Nigel Soppitt, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court.

Costen targeted two boys aged 13 and 14 who were in a cinema, and robbed them of £15, the court heard.

He also robbed a 16-year-old boy of £6 and terrified a woman by sticking his head through her bedroom window looking for something to steal.

Costen was on licence from a 22-month sentence.

Dan Cordey, for Costen, said: "He has been in custody almost a year and he had his 18th birthday in there.

"He has suddenly realised now that he is before the Crown Court and the kid gloves are off.

"When he gets out he is going back home to his mother. He wants to be a joiner or a builder, and he is going to try hard to get a job."

Judge Guy Whitburn told Costen: "You have a shocking record and you have been sentenced to custody for offences of robbery on at least two occasions in the past."

Costen of Pensbury Street, Darlington, was sentenced to 27 months in youth custody after he admitted three robberies and burglary with intent to steal.

He also asked for seven other offences, including a similar robbery, to be taken into consideration.