A COUPLE who robbed a Wirral train passenger have both been jailed for four years.

Ironically, Michael Fry and Pamela Ravenscroft got on the train at Shotton after police took them there following questioning over a suspected shoplifting, Liverpool Crown Court was told.

On the journey between Heswall and Upton they set on Mark Jones, demanded money and kicked and punched him.

Sentencing the couple, Judge Sean Duncan said the train guard could hear the terrified victim shouting: "Help, theyÕre going to kill me."

He told them: "It must be understood that those who mess about with innocent travellers are going to get severe punishments from this court.

"Anyone who reads the newspapers knows just how often people are set upon on trains or stations.

"This is a bad case and substantial custodial sentences are warranted."

Fry, 34, of Grange Place, Birkenhead, had pleaded guilty to assault with intent to rob and Pamela Ravenscroft, also 34, of the same address, was convicted after a trial.

Desmond Lennon, prosecuting, said Mr Jones boarded a train at Shotton about 7.30pm on June 19 and the defendants travelled on the same train. On the journey Mr Jones went to the toilet but after a few minutes Fry knocked and asked what he was doing.

Mr Jones, believing it was the guard, came out and found it was Fry and Ravenscroft was sitting nearby. Mr Jones sat in a seat and Ravenscroft and Fry both asked for his money. He explained he did not have any and Fry said he would beat him up if he did not hand over his cash.

After he repeated that he had no money Fry began punching him about his face, head and body. He curled himself into a ball and Fry kicked him on the right side of his head, said Mr Lennon.

Ravenscroft told Fry to take him to the toilet and he dragged Mr Jones to his feet. Mr Jones was struggling, Fry put his hand over his mouth and Mr Jones bit him which made him let go.

Mr Jones got away and alerted the guard in the adjacent carriage who verbally intervened. Fry and Ravenscroft got off at Upton and ran off. Mr Jones continued to Bidston and the police were called.

Mr Jones, who suffered bruising, later picked Ravenscroft out on an identity parade and Fry was arrested later. He admitted assaulting him but denied trying to rob him.

Defence barristers said the couple, who have convictions for shoplifting, were addicted to heroin.