FOUR teenagers are behind bars for a total of nine years after a youth was twice attacked at his own home - for his computer games.

Young dad Michael Wynn, 20, who went to school with victim Daniel Chatburn, went 'masked' into the 18-year-old's flat, fleeced him of cash and then went round again to target him a second time. He was sent to detention for three-and-a-half years.

His accomplice the first time, Richard Belcher, 16, who had no convictions, was given a two-year sentence, along with Barry Stott, 19, who went the second time.

Marcel Roche, 16, of Church Street, Stacksteads, who took a lesser part on the second visit, must serve 18 months. All were sent to a young offenders' institution.

Wynn, of Fairfield Avenue, Waterfoot, admitted robbery and attempted robbery. Belcher, of Woodside Crescent, Newchurch, pleaded guilty to robbery. Stott, of Crabtree Avenue, Waterfoot and Roche, both admitted attempted robbery.

Fiona McNeill, prosecuting, told Burnley Crown Court, after answering a knock at his door, Mr Chatburn was punched. Wynn pulled a woollen hat down over his face, came at him, grabbed him, wrapped his arms around his shoulder and shoved him into the flat. He fell to the floor, tried to get up and was struck on the back.

Mr Chatburn saw two men and was then dragged into the bedroom, held down and £120 was taken in cash, along with a watch. The victim suffered a black eye, cuts, scratches and bruising.

A week later, Mr Chatburn had friends staying and was again awoken by knocking at the door. He looked through the spy hole, saw a man pulling a hat over his face. Mr Chatburn picked up a baseball bat and said he had no money. Wynn was waving around a piece of fence and Mr Chatburn was hit as he tried to protect himself. Nobody got into the flat. It seemed the target was the victim's computer games.

Michael Lavery, for Wynn, said he was ashamed and couldn't believe he had been involved.

Defending Stott, Mr Lavery said no violence came from him. He was very much on the periphery. He had "frozen and stood and watched."

Anthony Cross, representing Belcher, said he had had too much time on his hands. Testimonials spoke highly of the 16-year-old, who had 'foolishly' chosen to participate. It was sad to see him appearing before court for the first time.

For Roche, Arthur Stuttard, said the defendant couldn't think for the life of him why he become involved.

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