Passing driver and cyclist chase down robber
Two Good Samaritans went to the aid of a woman who was robbed as she sat in a bus stop in Smethwick, a court heard.
Thief Michael Howes was cornered by a passing cyclist and a car driver who heard the victim shouting for help as he fled on foot along Bearwood Road on May 19.
The train station cleaner had grabbed a mobile phone out of Michelle Keller's hands while she was chatting on it.
She was sitting at a shelter waiting for the number 82 service to Birmingham city centre at about 10pm when he struck, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.
He later claimed he had debts and stole the phone in the hope of selling it for up to £180.
Howes had admitted robbery at a previous hearing on a basis that he grabbed the phone from the complainant's hand.
He was jailed for six months suspended for two years, ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work in the community, and a rehabilitation activity over 30 days. He must also pay £600 costs.
Mr Paul Farrow, prosecuting, said: "This defendant walked up to the stop and asked her if it was for the number 82. She replied that she thought it was.
"He then moved away, but a couple of minutes later he returned and immediately looked at the time table.
"Without any warning he then moved towards her and grabbed the phone that she was holding.
"He ran off towards High Street. She was shouting to the person she had been speaking to on the phone because they were still on the line.
"She gave chase and met a member of the public on a bike who then pursued the defendant. They were joined by a car driver. They detained him and called the police."
Mr Farrow said Howes, of Salop Street, Oldbury, had dropped the phone, which was later recovered undamaged nearby.
In her victim statement, Ms Keller said she was not a regular visitor to Smethwick and was wary of returning as a result of her experience.
Mr Tim Talbot-Webb, defending, said: "I have advised the defendant that muggings nearly always lead to custody. He is now in work. He owed money. He is young and a bit naive."
The court heard that Howes had some mental health issues, but was improving and repaying debts to a relative after securing work in Birmingham.
