A TEENAGER burst into a Worcester man’s flat and threatened him and a friend with a cricket bat, a court was told.

Michael Hollins, described in court as a 'bully', claimed that he was looking for a dog but when there was no sign of an animal he held the bat to Matthew Skilbeck’s throat.

He did the same to Michael Smith before taking two mobile phones and leaving, said Charles Hardy, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court.

Hollins, aged 19, of Lichfield Avenue, Worcester, was sent to detention for two years after admitting burglary.

Recorder Coke said he was fortunate he had not been charged with aggravated burglary.

The raid on the flat in All Saints Road at 7pm on Thursday, September 15, last year had been planned with an element of targetting and determination, the court was told.

Hollins, who had worked at a car wash, was said to have a pregnant girlfriend. She and her mother had written letters of support.

But Hollins had not been deterred by previous suspended sentences for battery so the only answer was custody, he was told.

However, the 63 days he had spent in custody on remand would count against the sentence.

Mr Hardy said the stolen phones were returned to the owners a week later. Hollins was arrested four days after the raid.

Gary Harper, defending, said Hollins accepted he was a bully but just did not think ahead. He had made immediate admissions.

The most aggravating feature was the threat with the cricket bat which he had not taken with him but found it in the flat.

He had also made arrangements for the return of the phones.