A GANG of three targeted two teenagers for their mobile phones, a court heard.

And one of the members is starting an eight-month term of detention.

Basha Ullah, 21, had attacked a 15-year-old girl playing in the snow with her friends in Haslingden, pushing her to the floor, snatching her phone and using the cash he raised to buy drugs.

Four months later he took another phone from a boy who had got "willingly" into a car with the defendant and his two co-accused, but was then dragged out, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Ullah, who had a criminal record, had recently been to jail, but Recorder Graham Knowles said he did not consider him to pose a significant risk of causing serious harm to the public.

Shofik Ali, 18, who took the opportunity to pinch £25 from the teenage boy after the "mood changed" in the vehicle and was at the time subject to an attendance centre order, was spared custody. The defendant, now voluntarily attending The Prince's Trust, was given 18 months supervision with the Think First programme.

Hasriat Khan, 20, who also stole the boy's phone, also kept his freedom. The defendant, a supposed friend of the victim, received 12 months supervision and was also ordered to attend the Think First programme.

Ullah, of Pine Street, admitted robbery and theft. Ali, of Wells Street, pleaded guilty to robbery and Khan, of Manchester Road, admitted theft. All live in Haslingden.

John Gregg, prosecuting, told the court in February the 15 year old girl was listening to music on her phone when Ullah got out of a car and approached her. Her friends ran off, leaving her alone and she began to walk off, putting her mobile in her pocket. The defendant stood in front of her, grabbed her collar, pushed her to the ground and pinched her phone. He then turned and punched her in the face, knocking her down.

Mr Gregg said Ullah was bailed after being arrested and went in to join in the second offence.

On June 15 the teenage boy was invited into a car carrying the defendants and accepted. Khan was at the wheel and Ali asked if he could borrow the victim's mobile phone. The teenager then took £25 from his pocket, asked for the phone back and Khan stopped the car. Ullah got out and dragged him from the car. Ali took his money and phone.

Ali had two previous convictions, Ullah had a record for theft and affray and Khan had a number of previous convictions.