A 17-YEAR-OLD boy has admitted snatching £140 from a 75-year-old pensioner during a mugging in Crediton.

The youth, who cannot be identified because of his age, pleaded guilty to robbery when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday, October 25.

Chorley Laxton, aged 18, of Salmonhutch, Crediton, denied the same charge and was remanded in custody for two weeks by Recorder Mr Martin Meeke, QC.

The 75-year-old man was injured after being pushed over during the attack on September 21 after he had visited a cashpoint machine in Crediton High Street.

The judge sent the 17-year-old’s case back to Exeter Juvenile Court, where he will be sentenced before his 18th birthday in December.

The juvenile court will have the option of imposing a youth rehabilitation order, a referral order, or up to a two-year detention and training order.

Mr Nigel Wraith, prosecuting, said the case against Laxton will be reviewed to decide whether it is to be continued.

Mr Joss Ticehurst, for the youth, said he accepted grappling with the victim as he grabbed his wallet but denied deliberately pushing him over.