A COCAINE user who brandished a metal pole as he robbed two teenage boys of bicycles has avoided an immediate jail sentence.

Alfie Righelato, 22, and another assailant targeted two 15-year-old boys in Frinton in July 2018.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard Righelato wielded a metal pole, while his accomplice was reportedly armed with a machete.

Stacey-Lee Holland, prosecuting, said the boys handed over their bikes, each worth approximately £650.

She said: “[The victim] described thinking they would be stabbed if they did not hand over their bikes.”

The court heard one victim has autism and ADHD, using his bike as a release to help him deal with his conditions.

In police interview, Righelato denied any involvement, but later admitted two counts of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon.

Barry Gilbert, mitigating, said the delay in bringing the case to court is “partly” the fault of his client, who only handed himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Mr Gilbert said Righelato, who was high on cocaine at the time, was encouraged to carry out the robbery by his accomplice.

“Given his age and given his complete lack of convictions, it may well be your honour will accept jumping from nothing to street robbery must have had some encouragement,” he said.

He said his client has “completely changed” his life for the better since the offence and now has a “safe and secure”

home.

Judge Christopher Morgan suspended a two-year prison sentence for two years.

Righelato, of Edith Road, Clacton, must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Judge Morgan said: “This was, as I’m sure you now recognise having emerged from your usage of cocaine, a thoroughly bad piece of behaviour.”

He added: “What you have accepted is having a metal pole, which I’m told comes from a railing on the seafront.

“Why you chose to obtain such a piece of metal, I can only infer, but it was observed and used as part of this robbery.”