A teenager who robbed a man at knifepoint in a flat was given a two-year Youth Rehabilitation Order.

James Batt, 18, twice punched Jared Whitehouse in the face, at the home in Leeds Road, Bradford.

Prosecutor Richard Gioserano told Bradford Crown Court yesterday that Batt pulled out a Stanley knife and held it to the face of Mr Whitehouse. He said the complainant described Batt holding the knife against his face – though the blade was not out – and sliding it down to his throat.

Mr Whitehouse pointed to his £500 iPhone on the sofa, which Batt picked up. He then pushed the complainant against a wall, searched him and took £25 out of his pocket.

He passed some of the money to co-accused Curtis Lee, who had watched the robbery, and the pair left.

Batt later tried to sell the phone to a worker at the hostel in Oak Villas, Manningham, where he was living.

Batt pleaded guilty to robbery. Judge Colin Burn said the victim had been shaken up, intimidated and frightened but did not suffer much harm otherwise. Batt had made significant efforts to sort himself out while in custody.

He ordered Batt to be supervised by probation for two years and carry out 200 hours’ unpaid community work.

Lee, 18, of Rouse Fold, West Bowling, Bradford, pleaded guilty to theft and was given a 12-month community order, with 80 hours’ unpaid work and a medium-level activity requirement.