A 19-YEAR-OLD Whalley teenager has been sentenced for his part in a street robbery which caused the victim to suffer an asthma attack.

Wayne Booth, 19, of Riddings Lane, Whalley, Louis Vickers, 20, of The Avenue, Preston and Christopher Leach, 23, of Fishergate Hill, Preston, had all denied the robbery committed on October 1 last year but were convicted following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

The fourth defendant, Ashley Vickers, 16, of Old Millstones, Preston, pleaded guilty to the robbery.

Passing sentence, Judge Justice Mitchell said: "This sort of outrage, as you four well know, is now an all too familiar feature of life in the streets of the towns and cities of this country."

Punishment for the defendants ranged from two and a half years to four years and nine months.

Booth was given three years and three months after the court heard their victim was walking home from Preston railway station one night and minding his own business when the youngest lad approached him. The man did everything he could to try and avoid trouble and even ran off, but was caught up after suffering an asthma attack.

Ashley Vickers was said to have repeatedly punched and kicked the man. The others are said to have become involved in the incident where a jacket, watch and mobile phone were stolen.

Booth had no previous convictions.

His barrister Michael Craine said he knew the reality of the situation he was now in. He had shown regret and insight into the offence.

"He has learned an important lesson, one he is determined not to repeat."

Counsel for the other defendants said they were also remorseful and appreciated that custody sentences would follow.

The judge, Mr Justice Mitchell, said there were aggravating features to the case, one of which was that a substantial degree of violence had been used.

The victim was not fit enough to return to work for two to three months afterwards.

Booth was sentenced to three years and three months detention, Ashley Vickers two and a half years, Leach four years prison and Louis Vickers, four years and nine months detention.