A MASKED teenager who mugged a Rossendale bus driver to get cash for cocaine has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

James Turner, 18, who was high on alcohol and cannabis, had punched' victim Andrew Thompson in the face before grabbing his cashbag.

He then divided the £30 money with his friends, but they couldn't get drugs and spent it on alcohol instead.

The defendant was later arrested for being drunk and disorderly, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Turner, of South Terrace, Strongstry, Stubbins, who has a previous conviction for robbery, admitted robbery, last December 29. He asked for an offence of house burglary on Woodlands Road, Edenfield, to be considered.

Sentencing, Recorder Andrew Long tsaid: "This was a very serious offence committed against a public servant whose work makes him particularly vulnerable to offences of this sort and he will receive the protection of the court."

Turner was sent to a Young Offenders' Institution.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, told the court Mr Thompson had taken his vehicle back to Rawtenstall bus station, allowed some passengers to get on and decided to take a short break.

He left the bus, taking with him the cash machine and as he was trying to board the vehicle a few minutes later he felt what he described as a punch to his face.

The defendant accepted he pushed the victim. Turner then grabbed the cash machine, the driver struggled to get it back, but the defendant took it and ran off. It contained about £30. The defendant ran off down the road and appeared to be accompanied by three or four youths.

Miss Statham said Turner had worn a scarf over the lower part of his face in an attempt to disguise himself, but that failed as the bus had CCTV, as did another bus nearby. Police viewed the CCTV and saw footage of Turner near the bus in a distinctive blue and white top.

The description was circulated to police and one officer recognised him immediately as he had arrested him for being drunk and disorderly within about an hour of the robbery. Turner was arrested again about five days later, made no admissions and claimed he had been subject to a tag and had been at a friend's house.

Richard Taylor, defending, said Turner was realistic and was aware custody was fully justified. Over the last few years he had got involved in drink and drugs and his life had been going nowhere.

Mr Taylor added Turner, who came from a decent family, had been brought up short. He had spent 28 days on remand, had started courses and was determined to continue them .