Thugs stole Student’s iPhone at Knifepoint outside Nightclub

Two thugs have been detained in a young offenders’ institution after they robbed a student of his iPhone at knifepoint outside a nightclub in Leeds city centre.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Bilal Hussain and Adam Hamza had targeted the 18-year-old victim outside Space nightclub on Hirst’s Yard on October 21, 2020.

Syam Soni, prosecuting, said the pair approached the student after he became separated from his friends as they enjoyed a night out in the city centre.

Hussain and Hamza initially appeared “jovial” when they spoke to the victim. Then they asked the student if he wanted to buy drugs.

The victim declined their offer. At that point, one of the robbers asked for his mobile phone.

He refused to hand it over but one of the thugs took out a large kitchen knife.

The victim handed over his phone, an iPhone 11 worth more than £1,000, along with £30 in cash and his driving licence.

Hussain and Hamza were identified after the victim said that one of them had a gold tooth.

Mr Soni explained that both Hussain and Hamza have previous convictions and were subject to a court order which banned them from associating with each other.

Hussain and Hamza both pleaded guilty to the knifepoint robbery outside the nightclub.

Hussain has seven previous convictions and was on licence at the time of the offence.

Felicity Hemlin, defending Hamza, said her client has been in custody on remand since his arrest and had found the experience difficult.

She added: “He is highly naive and immature. I would ask that the detention is as short as can be imposed.”

Glenn Parsons, for Hussain, said his client was in a more serious position due to his longer criminal record.

Judge Andrew Stubbs QC, passing sentence, said:

“He must have been petrified to be confronted by the two of you.”

“The offending is made worse by the fact that it was a group offence in a secluded location.

“I take the view that this offence was so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate.”

Yorkshire Evening Post reported that Hussain, aged 20, of Harehills, Leeds, was sentenced to three years in a young offenders’ institution.

Hamza, aged 18, of Burley, Leeds, received 28 months in a young offenders’ institution.