A HEROIN addict who robbed a teenager as he was using a cashpoint in Bolton town centre was today starting a five-year jail term.

John Hill pressed a plastic pen to the throat of the 17-year-old boy.

Hill, aged 25, of Chadworth Crescent, Little Hulton, told terrified Jason Pierce to empty his account but the teenager said there was no cash and threw his wallet on the floor to distract his attacker.

The youth fled as Hill picked up the wallet which contained £75 in cash. Bolton Crown Court was told that Hill used the money to buy heroin.

Two days later he smashed his way into a house and stole property worth £1,500 which he again sold to buy drugs.

The court case was one of three dealt with at Bolton Crown Court yesterday under a "fast track" scheme intended to crack down on an increase in street robberies and anti-social crimes.

In sentencing Hill, Judge William Morris said robbery is a serious crime adding: "You approached the victim from behind and pressed a pen to his neck and said you would ram it down his throat.

"Robbery offences are increasing because of addiction to drugs. This court, along with others, must give a clear message that decent people must be allowed to go about their lawful business in public places.

"Anyone who commits robberies in public places must expect a lengthy custodial sentence."

Hill admitted robbery and burglary. Prosecutor Jon Gregg told the court that the teenager was attacked as he was checking his account at the Barclays cashpoint at The Wellsprings in Bolton town centre on February 20.

Hill's tearful mother Lillian Hill, told the judge how two of her four sons were involved in drugs. She said she hated drugs for what they had done to her son and other addicts.

In the second case, two teenage boys who robbed two youths of cash and a mobile phone were sent to youth custody.

Christopher Young and Martin Ball were both drunk when they decided to rob friends Andrew Yates and Mohammed Ali.

The 17-year-olds were walking home from college along Crompton Way, Bolton, when Ball and Young approached them.

Ball asked Yates for money and then turned to Ali and said if he did not give him any money he would take his glasses off and smash him in the face.

Young then demanded cash from Yates who handed over 50p but Young searched his jeans pockets and took his phone and wallet containing £10.

Young and Ball were later arrested and blamed each other for the offence.

Ball, aged 16, of Dovedale Road, Breightmet, Bolton, and 16 year-old Young, of Bury Road, Tonge Fold, Bolton, were both sentenced to an eight-month detention and training order to be served at a Young Offenders Institution.

In the third case, a 14-year-old girl appeared before Bolton Crown Court accused of robbing another teenager, also aged 14, in Higher Swan Lane, Bolton.

The robber asked for 50p but the 14-year-old initially refused. The girl then threatened to beat her.

The victim saw the blade of a penknife sticking out from the girl's sleeve and decided to hand over £8.

The court heard that the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is currently serving a 12-month detention and training sentence imposed for robbing a 73-year-old earlier this year.

After reading reports on the teenager Judge Morris decided not to increase her sentence as her behaviour has improved.