Two callous youths – one the son of a police instr

Two callous youths – one the son of a police instructor –
‘weighed up’ a teenage mugging victim in a pub.

Then they made friends with him before robbing him in a
dark alley.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Medawar, QC, decribed
Andrew Corns’ and Danny Carrington’s crime as ‘premeditated and
reprehensible.

‘
Judge Medawar warned the two 17-year-olds that they could face
custody as he adjourned their sentence until March 27 for social
inquiry reports to be prepared.

The court had heard how during the evening of September 27 last
year, Corns and Carrington walked into the Cardinal pub in Gidea Park,
Romford.

Council worker David Lambert, 19, and his pal William Whyatt, 18,
were enjoying a drink there, said Mr Peter Gray, prosecuting.

‘They weighed up two men in the public house and it was
decided they would be suitable victims for robbery,’ continued
counsel.

‘The two began to make conversation and were friendly with them.

‘
And later Mr Lambert agreed to give Corns and Carrington a lift
home in his Ford Fiesta.

After Mr Whyatt was dropped off, Mr Lambert was told to stop
somewhere in Victoria Road in Romford, where Carrington grabbed him
from behind.

The terrified victim was taken down a side-alley and threatened
with a bottle held by one of them.

They emptied Mr Lambert’s pockets of a five pound note and some
change and then drove off with his car.

Days later Mr Lambert’s vehicle was recovered, but the car
stereo, speakers and some of his belongings had been taken.

After their arrest Corns and Carrington confessed.

Corns, of Henderson Close, Hornchurch, and Carrington,
of Risebridge Chase, Collier Row, Romford, both pleaded
guilty to robbery, taking Mr Lambert’s Fiesta without authority,
and theft of the items from his car.

Miss Susan Holdham, defending Corns, of previous good character,
said his father is a police instructor.

Counsel added: ‘This has caused extraordinary shame to his
family.

‘
The court heard that Carrington had one minor conviction for
possession of drugs.

ENDS