A TEENAGER has admitted robbing phones and cash from three people at various train stations in Southend.

Ashley Harrison, 19, appeared in handcuffs at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, after previously admitting the string of offences which took place in Southend and Westcliff in February.

He also admitted to attacking a man in Witham in September last year.

Harrison spoke only to confirm his name during the hearing.

He has admitted to carrying out three robberies at Westcliff Train Station on February 10. On the day, he stole two mobile phones, worth a total of £350, along with £75 in cash and a wallet.

He also admitted to attempting to rob another phone from a fourth person on February 13, and robbing a phone worth £150 from a person at Southend Central Train Station on February 3.

Harrison carried out his shocking crimes during a spate of robberies from people near train stations in the Southend borough, running from the end of January to mid February, including incidents - not connected to Harrison - where people were threatened with hammers and knives.

On February 4, a student was forced to flee two teenagers armed with a knife by running across the train tracks.

Leslie Chipps, prosecuting, told the court that Harrison and another man had entered a fight with his victim before he shoved him against a wall in Witham.

She said: “The victim was thrown against the wall and beaten, his mobile phone was taken and he was assaulted further and kicked.”

Simone Harvey, mitigating, said: “I would like for the bench to consider the defendant’s age when sentencing and that he has been in custody since February this year.

“He has had a long time to think about his actions, and he shows genuine remorse for what he has done.

“This time has allowed him to look at himself and all he has committed this past year.”

Harrison, of Springfield Road, Chelmsford, received a total of three months in prison for his assault and must pay £125 in compensation to his victim.

He will be sentenced for his four robberies and attempted robbery at Basildon Crown Court on September 6.

He has been warned he could be jailed for a significant period given the robberies at the train stations.