A ROBBER who claimed to have turned his life around since his last offence has been given a second chance by a judge.

Nathan Allender jumped on a man's back and robbed him of a bank card and £40 in cash almost three years ago on September 21, 2012, Worcester Crown Court heard.

The victim, Lee Farmer, who was then aged 41, had been drinking during the afternoon in the King Billy pub in Kidderminster. He had argued with Allender, who was then 17, and another man and they followed him when he left to get a bus home at about 6.30pm.

Allender leapt on his back and demanded money. The other man walked off and Allender was identified by witnesses. He denied assault and was cleared after a trial but he admitted robbery, Nicolas Cartwright, prosecuting, told the court.

Mr Cartwright said Allender, who is now 20 and living in Princess Way, Stourport, had not been in trouble since.

Michael Aspinall, defending, said Allender had now matured into a "good and hard-working young man" who worked in London during the week and returned at weekends to his mother's home.

"He has done everything society would expect of him," Mr Aspinall said.

Judge Michael Cullum said a long time had passed since the offence and he was going to give Allender an opportunity to stay away from the courts.

He was given a 12-month community order with 180 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £150 compensation and £350 towards costs.