A DRUG addict who posed as a club doorman to rob a young couple on a night out in Bradford city centre has been jailed for four years.

Homeless Peter Vant targeted James Butterfield, 20, and Faye Keeble, 19, on Sackville Street in the early hours of April 5, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Vant, 36, who wore black clothing, including a black tie, said he was a security officer and wanted to speak to Miss Keeble.

When Mr Butterfield intervened, Vant directed him to a dark area nearby and threatened to kill him if he did not hand over money from his wallet. Mr Butterfield, who thought Vant had a weapon, gave him a £5 note and £3 in change, prosecutor Andrew Horton told the court.

When Vant walked away, Miss Keeble bravely followed him towards the Alhambra Theatre, threatening to ring the police if he did not hand back the stolen money. Vant then grabbed her by the throat, punched her and snatched her phone, saying he was a homeless crackhead with nothing to lose.

An off-duty police constable ran to assist Miss Keeble, Mr Horton said. Vant was arrested two days later and told the police he had taken drugs and recalled little of the incident.

He tested positive for cocaine and opiates. His long record for violence and dishonesty included serving a four year sentence in 2001 for punching an 82-year-old man in the street when he refused to hand over his ring, breaking the victim;’s nose, Mr Horton told the court.

Abigail Langford, Vant’s barrister, said he had pleaded guilty to robbing Mr Butterfield and Miss Keeble at the first hearing at the crown court. He was a long-term drug addict who was homeless, with nowhere to go.

Miss Langford said Vant was remorseful and knew he was going to prison.

Vant was sentenced on a video link to Leeds Prison where he was receiving treatment for his drug misuse, Miss Langford said.

Judge Jonathan Rose said Vant had an appalling record for violence and dishonesty and showed no signs of wishing to stop offending. He said: “People in Bradford have to be able to enjoy life after dark and are entitled to do so in safety, without being targeted by men like you.”

MORE TOP STORIES