A man has escaped being jailed for life after he robbed a teenager.

A judge was asked to decide if Nicholas Blaber was a danger to the public and should be locked up indefinitely.

Blaber admitted threatening 16-year-old Lewis Franklin and taking £10 off him near Seaford train station.

He also admitted possessing a 20in knife which he poked at the chest of a passer-by soon after the robbery.

Blaber, 33, of Pelham Road, Seaford, had two previous convictions for causing actual bodily harm in 1998.

Because they are serious specified offences Judge Guy Anthony was asked to decide if Blaber should be seen as a danger to the public.

He ruled that Blaber should not be assessed as dangerous after hearing that no violence was used when Mr Franklin was robbed.

He jailed Blaber for 17 months when he appeared for sentence at Hove Crown Court yesterday. (wed) Roger Booth, prosecuting, said Mr Franklin was aware Blaber was behind him as he walked to Seaford station with his skateboard on September 16.

Blaber went up to Mr Franklin after he sat on a bench, the court heard.

Mr Booth said: "Lewis Frankin said the defendant put his face right in his face and said 'This is what is going to happen, you are going to give me your money'.

"His teeth were clenched and he spoke in a threatening manner."

Mr Booth said the teenager stood up with his skateboard in his hand, refused to hand over any money and asked Blaber why he was doing it.

Mr Booth added: "Blaber told him 'You are the victim. I will take your MP3 player if you don't give me the money'."

Mr Franklin handed over £10 and Blaber walked off.

Police were informed and officers later spoke to Blaber in nearby Dane Road.

He walked behind their car and one of the officers saw Blaber pull a 20in long knife in a case from his trousers. He was then arrested.

Daniel Fryer, defending, said Blaber was deeply disgusted and embarrassed by what he had done.

He has had drink and drug problems and had been treated for depression, the court heard.

Mr Fryer said Blaber has since been diagnosed as suffering from mental health problems, including bi-polar disorder.