A CHANCE meeting in the street led a Morecambe teenager to steal jewellery from someone he once went to school with a court was told.

William Coulton firstly chatted to his victim. Then when a request for money was turned down, he pulled off a gold chain and ring the other person was wearing.

It ended in him receiving a nine months youth custody sentence at Preston Crown Court.

Coulton, 19, of no fixed address, but formerly of Grange Street, Morecambe, admitted the theft of a nine carat gold chain and a gold coloured ring. His denial of robbery was accepted by the prosecution.

Miss Janet Ironfield, prosecuting, said that as a part of his work, Michael Stewart called at the post office in Fenton Street, Lancaster, at noon. As he approached the premises someone shouted his name. He turned and recognised the defendant, who was stood outside the Chamber of Commerce.

The two young men had been in the same year at school. They had not known each other since leaving in 1997.

The two had a conversation, during which the defendant asked the £10, saying he needed the money, Mr Stewart refused, indicating he had no money on him.

Coulton also asked if he had a cash card. He went on to reach towards Mr Stewart's neck, then pulled and unfastened a gold necklace he was wearing. He also pulled a ring from his right hand. Again the defendant asked for money.

He went on to say "I'll have to keep these then," referring to the jewellery.

Coulton refused to hand the items back. The offence put him in breach of probation.

Mr Keith Thomas, defending, said the teenager had recently spent his 19th birthday on remand for the offence.

"He has always admitted, as he said in the interview, taking the jewellery and selling it to raise £20."

"He apologises to the victim for what happened in July."

Recorder Mr Andrew Lowlock described the theft as nasty, mean and cowardly.

He told Coulton "If you carry on like this you must realise you will spend longer and longer periods in custody. The remedy is in your hands."

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