Black eyes trap thug

A TEENAGE thug who attacked and robbed a younger boy and stole his £150 mobile phone was brought to book because of his two black eyes.

Craig Kirkham (18) punched his victim, knocking him to the ground, then told him to turn out his pockets after seeing him at a bus stop on Victoria Street, Chadderton, on May 10.

He was later made subject of a citizen’s arrest when he was recognised from a description given by the 15-year old he had robbed.

Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court was told that Kirkham had been with a group of teenagers when they spotted the younger boy.

One shouted: “What are you looking at?” and then Kirkham went across and hit him on the nose.

All four ran off after the attack, but Mr John Marsh, prosecuting, said Kirkham was caught because of his unusual appearance — two fading, but distinctive black eyes.

Mr Marsh said that a description of the attacker was put about, and he was challenged and held until police arrived after being recognised.

The court was told that at first he made a blanket denial, but later pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery.

Mr David Abbot defending, said it had been an “opportunistic” offence, but his client had made an early decision to admit what he had done, and face the consequences.

He said Kirkham denied telling the younger boy to turn out his pockets, saying that he stole the mobile phone after seeing it sticking out of the 15-year old’s pocket.

Kirkham, of Oakley Close, Newton Heath, was sent to a young offenders’ institution for 16 months.