A ‘TROUBLED’ man who robbed a terrified schoolboy in a Rawtenstall park and stole another teen's bike, has been locked up for 22 months.

Jonathan Meynell, 21, who had been released from jail a week before, had threatened to kill the 14-year-old schoolboy, after grabbing him and taking his bus fare and watch in Whitaker Park.

The day after, he targeted a 13-year-old boy and took his £150 mountain bike, but dumped it and ran off when challenged.

Both victims later picked him out on a video parade, Burnley Crown Court was told.

Meynell, formerly of Mount Street, Rawtenstall, admitted robbery and theft, last September.

Sarah Statham, prosecuting, said the 14-year-old was walking home from school and was going through the park when he noticed the defendant following him.

Meynell put his hood up, even though it was sunny, ran towards him, caught up with him and told him: ‘Don't move, or I'll kill you.’ Meynell grabbed the boy, demanded his phone, the boy said he didn't have one and the defendant took his £2.50 bus fare and £10 digital watch.

Miss Statham said the boy went home, immediately told his parents and police were called.

The next day, the 13-year-old was on his bike in Rawtenstall, when the defendant grabbed his handle bars.

The victim was frightened and allowed Meynell to take it.

Meynell was arrested on October 11, was questioned and made no comment. He had 37 previous convictions.

Martin Hackett, for Meynell, said he had difficulties and had recently been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder.

The defendant had told the probation service every bit of trouble he had been in was because of drink.

He said: “His time in custody has been well spent.

He has got a job in prison and he is taking his medication.”

Judge Beverley Lunt said: “These were two frightening incidents for these boys and they are not going to recover from it quickly.

“If you stay on the proper medications, you will not present a danger to people in society.”