A homeless teenager who left a 17-year-old youth in tears after a Lowestoft robbery has walked free from Ipswich Crown Court today.

Sentencing Travis Aldred 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, 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.