A MALVERN man who stole from two youths after they were waylaid in a town park has been jailed for five months.

Neil Allen took a bicycle worth £280 from one victim, left the area and failed to return it, Worcester Crown Court was told.

He later returned to the park, threatened another teenager that he would break his legs and seized his mobile phone valued at £79, said James McCracken, prosecuting.

One of the victims, a 14-year-old, was also assaulted by Allen.

Allen, of Tudor Court, Wells Road, admitted two thefts and common assault.

He had a previous conviction for theft.

The defendant took to alcohol after falling out with his partner, mixed with other drinkers and went off the rails, said Nicolas Cartwright, defending.

He was now reconciled with his partner and their first child was born a month after the offence in August this year.

Mr Cartwright said although the offences were "very unattractive", there were hopeful signs Allen was back on the straight and narrow.

He added that an original robbery charge had been reduced to common assault by the prosecution. Allen, aged 23, recognised he was fortunate to be facing a lesser offence.

Recorder John Price said if he had to sentence Allen for robbery it would have been 18 months in jail.

He said drink played a crucial role, but the youth he threatened with violence must have been very frightened.

The recorder said he was passing a lenient sentence because Allen ought to be back with his family soon.

He had already served a month in custody on remand.

"You behaved very stupidly," he added.