A vicious robber attacked a 12-year-old boy and put him in a headlock – all so he could steal a mobile phone.

Now 45-year-old Lee Cole has been locked up for the terrifying ordeal he put his young victim through, not long after being released from prison.

The boy was walking along Wolverham Road in Ellesmere Port listening to music when Cole, who is originally from Runcorn, struck him in the leg causing him to fall.

He put him in a headlock and demanded his phone.

The youngster bravely tried to fight Cole off but a struggle ensued in which he was punched and threatened.

Cole, of no fixed abode, eventually got the phone and made off on his bike.

After pleading guilty to robbery at an earlier hearing, he was handed a 10-year prison sentence today (September 2).

DS Rob Grantham said: “He was not long out of prison before offended again.

"I hope that seeing Cole back behind bars should reassure the community.

"We should all be able to go about our daily business without fear of being threatened or assaulted by people like this, and we will continue to catch those responsible and put them behind bars to protect our communities.

“For a grown man to target a 12-year-old boy, assault and threaten him – all for something as trivial as a mobile phone – shows what type of person Cole is.

“The victim was understandably distressed by his ordeal and has been brave enough to go through the court process, which we have supported him with throughout. I hope this sentence will help this young victim move on and have a bright future ahead of him.”