A teenager has admitted in court that he brandished a knife at staff as he robbed a Carlisle phone shop — moments after a copycat crime on the same street.
The 17–year-old male first entered the FoneShop just after noon on Tuesday, April 7.
Carlisle Youth Court heard he asked to view an iPhone 17 and, during that request. lifted his top to show a knife under the waistband.
He took the phone outside, where he was confronted by members of staff.
The phone was recovered but during that encounter the teen threw a punch before walking along English Street.
The teenager then went into the Select Apple store, spoke to a female employee and asked about an iPhone 17.
“As the phone in the box is produced it is taken by the defendant,” prosecutor George Shelley told the court this afternoon.
As he walked away to the exit, a male member of staff on the shop floor became aware of the situation.
“He attempts to block the teen from leaving with the goods. The knife is produced and brandished,” said Mr Shelley. “The member of staff, quite rightly, steps to one side and allows him to leave the store with the phone.”
A short time later, the teenager was found at the Kings Head pub on Fisher Street, in possession of the blade.
In court the teen — who cannot be identified because he is under 18 — admitted robbing two men of iPhones, worth £900 and £999 and illegal possession of a knife.
He spoke of being on leave from secure accommodation, previously accompanied by staff, when the offending occurred.
Defence solicitor John Smith, mitigating, said: “The circumstances are not in dispute. They are all agreed.”
Of the knife being brandished, Mr Smith also conceded: “He accepts that that has happened at the second shop.”
District judge Philip Holden adjourned the case and asked for a background report to be produced providing more information about the teen — who has an address in the Glasgow area — and his personal circumstances.
The teen is due to be sentenced by the district judge during a youth court hearing in Carlisle on May 11.
In the meantime he has been granted bail. There are several conditions, one of which bans him from entering Carlisle other than to attend court.
