TWO men have been locked up for the vicious robbery of a drunken man.

The victim was forced to the ground and kicked unconscious.

The attack took place in an alleyway in Ebbw Vale town centre, Cardiff crown court was told.

Christopher Hearne, aged 36, of Emlyn Avenue, Ebbw Vale, who was said to have been the instigator of the robbery and who caused the injuries, was jailed for three years.

A 17-year-old youth, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was made subject to a detention and training order for six months.

Hearne had been found guilty at a hearing last month on a charge of robbing David Brain. The 17-year-old admitted the robbery.

Recorder Nicholas Woodward told the pair: "It was a vicious offence, a mean offence, the victim was very drunk and a stranger to you both. He thought you were friends but you took advantage of the situation. The violence meted out was substantial."

He said it was a serious robbery and Hearne, who showed no regret whatsoever, had tried to "pull the wool over the eyes of the jury".

Prosecutor Christopher Williams said that on the night of January 23 Mr Brain went drinking alone in Ebbw Vale and met the two defendants in Wetherspoons pub.

They went on to the County pub where he bought them some drinks.

The three left and walked along Libanus Road. In an alley, there, Mr Brain was robbed and injured.

"Even many weeks after the attack he still had bruising. Hearne stamped on his face, knocking him unconscious. Brain had little recollection of the robbery except being grabbed by one of the defendants.

"His wal

let, mobile telephone, and cash were taken." Mr Williams said Hearne denied any involvement with the offence and the 17-year-old, he said, made "partial admissions".

Bernard Powell, defending the teenager, said: "Many people regard him as decent. His involvement was limited as Hearne played the leading role. "He had been warned by friends not to associate with Hearne because he 'was trouble'. The robbery, said Mr Powell, was not premeditated.

Hilary Roberts, defending Hearne, said: "He's never been in this sort of trouble before. It was nothing but an aberration."