A ROBBERY suspect caught hiding in a derelict building told police he was there to take photographs of the basement - but had no camera.

Daniel McLean's laughable explanation was branded "spurious" and "rather strange" when he appeared in court to be sentenced.

The teenager and a younger pal fled to the disused former training college after robbing a group of schoolboy footballers at a nearby park.

Some of the victims chased the pair to Tunstall Court, and when police were called they found 19-year-old McLean inside with his shirt off.

Prosecutor Richard Parsell told Judge Gillian Matthews, QC, at Teesside Crown Court: "He gave a spurious explanation of why he was there.

"He said he was taking photographs of the basement, but when he was asked if he had a camera, he said no, so that was rather strange."

McLean and his accomplice had earlier snatched sports bags from a bench after emerging from bushes disguised in a balaclava and snood.

One of the two was holding a knife when they struck in Ward Jackson Park, Hartlepool, at 7.30pm on March 31 this year, said Mr Parsell.

Both teenagers were said to have been high on drugs, but their barristers said they have since made efforts to change their lifestyles.

Jim Withyman, for McLean, of Bright Street, Hartlepool, said: "He realises his drug misuse and immature behaviour has led him to the steps of prison."

He said he has since started working as a volunteer on a church rebuilding project, and added: "This has been a turning point in his life."

Paul Abrahams, for the 17-year-old, who cannot be named, said: "He needs some guidance to get him away from this shameful behaviour."

Mr Abrahams said the youth was leading "a rudderless life" after being rejected by the army, but still hopes to sign up as a front-line soldier.

He was given a nine-month referral order and McLean received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after they admitted robbery.