A homeless teenager who left a 17-year-old youth in tears after robbing him of his £650 mobile phone has walked free from court.

Sentencing Travis Aldred at Ipswich Crown Court to an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years, Recorder Mary Loram said: 'Not to have the basic security of a home when you are a teenager is a terrible thing.'

She described the robbery in Lowestoft, which left the terrified 17-year-old victim in tears, as 'mean and unpleasant' but said that although Aldred had threatened violence, no violence was actually used.

Aldred, of no fixed address, admitted robbery on October 8. The offence took place in an alleyway near Clapham Road South, Lowestoft.

In addition to the suspended sentence he was given a 25-day rehabilitation requirement.

Wayne Cleaver, for Aldred, who has no previous convictions, said his client was still in desperate circumstances but had a number of job interviews lined up.

'He is trying to create some stability in his life,' said Mr Cleaver.

He said Aldred was 'desperately sorry' for what he had done.