A TEENAGER who tried to rob a man by pretending his phone was a gun says he is 'extremely sorry' and said prison was 'horrible'.

Kyle Cannaway was spared an immediate jail sentence at Worcester Crown Court on Friday for attempting to rob a man and knocking wing mirrors off two cars after drinking and taking cocaine.

Fighting back tears, the 18-year-old spoke up from the dock when he learned that his prison sentence would be suspended.

How we reported the original sentence

Cannaway, who appeared emotional in the dock, said: "I'm extremely sorry for what I have done. I have learned my lessons now. I'm trying my hardest now to change. I have come off drugs and alcohol."

The defendant of Ashford Road, Worcester had previously admitted attempted robbery in Henwick Road and two counts of criminal damage in Lambert Road after lashing out at two Vauxhall Corsas, both owned by the same victim. All offences took place on New Year's Eve 2020 when Cannaway was still a youth, something which the judge had to bear in mind when sentencing.

His advocate, Leanne Ballato, who cited a doctor's report explained that her client has suicidal tendencies, a history of self-harm, autism, ADHD and a neurological disorder, also factors the judge needed to consider.

The estimated cost of replacing each wing mirror was £250. The attempted robbery happened 20 minutes later in Henwick Road when a different victim was approached by Cannaway who emerged from a nearby alleyway.

During the robbery Cannaway threatened to shoot his victim and also claimed to have a knife and threatened to cut him. He also threatened to shoot a motorist who intervened.

However, the gun was later revealed to be the defendant's mobile phone. Cannaway was handed an 18 month prison sentence suspended for 12 months by Judge James Burbidge QC.

Before passing sentence, the judge had listened to the views of Vicky Gunderson of the Bridge School in Malvern who said she had known Cannaway for three years and that he came there for his secondary school education. She explained that the school was for children with special educational needs.

"When Mr Cannaway came to us, essentially he was living a chaotic life. He was homeless, living in a bed and breakfast with his mum" she said.

Ms Gunderson, who has previously been to see the defendant in prison, also said that Cannaway was 'one of the best attenders we have' and that a work experience placement had been set up for him at a building suppliers. She described him as being 'extremely remorseful'. "He was also committed to his mum, concerned about the impact he has had on his mum's life. He felt terribly sorry to put her through what he has.

"He tells me about how much he regrets it, what a horrible experience it was and how he never wants to go back there," she told the judge.

The court heard how Cannaway had 11 offences against a person recorded against him, five against property, one of theft, three public order offences but nothing for robbery until this matter.

On October 21 last year he received a 28 week custodial sentence.