Sentence welcomed after knifepoint robbery at Thatto Heath Park

Zaine Hylton, from Bolton, and a 16-year-old from Manchester, violently stole an iPhone 11 and £20 in cash from the 16-year-old from St Helens as he walked alone through Thatto Heath park at about 8.45pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020.

Liverpool Crown Court heard how the two boys began circling the teenager on their bicycles, demanding his mobile phone and whatever money he had on him.

READ MORE > Teenager held large knife to boy's throat in terrifying robbery

Hylton, now aged 18, who attempted to conceal his identity by wearing a balaclava, gloves, and his hood up, pulled out a "large serrated blade the size of his forearm" and forced the teenager into a more secluded area of the park.

After the victim continually refused to hand over his telephone, Hylton told him "he would stab him with the knife held to this throat."

Liverpool Crown Court

Upon this threat, the phone – worth around £1000 – was handed over to the two attackers.

The victim was then forced to wait while the attackers unlocked his phone to wipe it of all its data – while Hylton recorded footage of the incident which was subsequently circulated on social media.

The terrifying ordeal lasted around 10 to 15 minutes, and only ended as the two attackers heard the distant sound of a police siren and left the scene on their bicycles.

Hylton was given an 18-month jail sentence for the robbery after he pleaded guilty.

Zaine Hylton

His accomplice had already been handed a 12-month rehabilitation order at Greater Manchester Youth Court, which included a three month curfew and a requirement that he cannot have any contact with Hylton.

Welcoming Hylton's prison term, Detective Constable Claire McLoughin said: “Robbery, especially where violence is threatened or involved, can have a serious effect on victims and I hope today’s sentence gives the 16-year-old victim in this case, some sense of justice being served.

“This sentence should send out a message to anyone involved in this type of criminality, that we will do everything in our power to put you before the courts. I also hope the offenders in this case understand the impact of their actions, make use of the rehabilitation services available and are able to change their ways.”