A TEENAGER pulled a woman from her bike and punched and kicked her in the face, before robbing her of £40 in an “opportunist” attack, a court heard.

Joshua Harriss, 19, of St Patrick’s Road, Taunton was sentenced to two years in a young offender institution for the robbery which took place on Castle Way, Taunton at around 2am on August 5 this year.

Taunton Crown Court heard how Harriss pulled his victim from her bike, before demanding she hand over money.

When the victim handed over a handful of notes, Harriss said: “Is that it?” before swearing at her.

When a passerby approached, he ran off.

The court heard how Harriss had been drinking that evening and was carrying a bottle of vodka at the time of the attack.

He was arrested at his home the following morning, returning the victim’s money in the process.

Sentencing, Recorder Mr Phillip P Mott QC, said: “This was an incident which took place at night time on a vulnerable woman.

“It was opportunist and you were, and are, still young.

“You pulled the victim from her bike and kicked and punched her, before taking £40 of her money.”

Harriss pleaded guilty to robbery at the first opportunity and defence barrister Harry Ahuja said he “felt ashamed” of his actions.

Mr Mott said credit had been given to Harriss for an early guilty plea.

Harriss was described by Mr Ahuja as “doing well in education” having started university – but dropped out and returned home after his girlfriend got pregnant.

Mr Ahuja said Harriss’ family relationships had also broken down and he had experienced financial difficulties.

He has since been offered employment and has not drunk alcohol or taken drugs since the incident, said Mr Ahuja.

The court also heard Harriss’ girlfriend has since given birth to their child.