Preston man with learning difficulties had his Playstation console stolen by intruder

Thomas Wlliamson, 19, of Clough Gardens, Haslingden, held a plastic knife to vulnerable Ben Adamson's throat as his co-defendant, Jordan Dyer, 19, of Rutland Street, Preston, stole his game console, PC mouse and a bank card in his mum's name.

Peter Barr, prosecuting, said: " The complainant is described as having learning disabilities but lived an independent life and lives in his own flat.

"On December 18, 2018, he was out in Preston. It appears the two defendants followed him home and there they walked through the door with him.

"He felt a push to his back and the two men barged into his house."

He described how the men called him a "Moll" before ordering him to sit on his couch and pushing him onto it.

Williamson held a plastic knife to his throat while Dyer unplugged his TV and took his PS3.

Mr Adamson was then punched twice as the pair demanded: " Where's the bag d***head?"

Bizarrely the court heard Williamson then apologised to him before they fled.

The victim's mum's bank card was then used to the tune of £67 at various shops.

Police obtained CCTV showing them using the card.

Judge Beverly Lunt voiced her frustration at the decision by police to only send Williamson, who was 17 at the time of the offence, a postal requisition in November 2019, with the overall delay meaning she must sentence him differently.

Reports revealed he has autism, ADHD and Asperger's and at that time was "susceptible to the influence of others".

Judge Lunt said: "All the law is clear that with a 17-year-old this case should have been brought before the courts very quickly. It was not and this is unforgivable in a case like this.

"It was a nasty bullying offence. This young man has similar problems to you - that should have made you assist him.

"There are odd aspects to the offence and you clearly regretted what you did because you actually apologised to your victim at the scene and left him his phone.

"You know right from wrong and you should not have got involved."

*Dyer was sentenced separately.

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