Teenage Leeds canal towpath robber locked up for terrifying 77-year-old woman and injuring commuter as he tried to take her bike

Callum Lane was sent to a young offender institution for three years and eight months over the offences near to the canal at Rodley.

Leeds Crown Court heard the 19-year-old and another man targeted victims on the morning of November 14, 2018.

Lane and his accomplice followed a 77-year-old woman as she was walking beside the canal and demanded money from her.

Ashleigh Metcalfe, prosecuting, said the woman managed to run away and was helped by a man who saw her in a state of shock and took her to a nearby cafe to get help.

A short time later Lane and the other man blocked the path of a commuter as she was cycling to work.

Lane was holding a pole about 5ft in length and held the weapon against her neck as he demanded she hand over her bike.

The woman refused and there was a struggle in which she suffered an injury to her hand and a broken finger.

The incident lasted between five and ten minutes before they left when a member of the public walked by.

Miss Metcalfe described how Lane and the man also tried to block the path of two male cyclists but they were able get away.

Lane was arrested over the offences and stamped on a police officer's foot when he was taken into custody.

The teenager was released on bail but went on to commit driving offences on March 15 this year,

Lane was driving a VW Polo, which contained three passengers, along Brownberrie Lane, Horsforth, when he refused to stop for police after they signalled for him to pull over.

Lane sped off along Moor Top and West Chevin Road towards Otley.

The defendant put the car into reverse and rammed one of the police vehiclse during the pursuit when officers managed to block his path.

He ran from the car but was caught and arrested.

Lane, of Iveson Approach, Lawnswood, Leeds, pleaded guilty to four offences of attempted robbery, assaulting a police officer, dangerous driving, driving without a licence, having no insurance and criminal damage.

Robin Freize, mitigating, said Lane pleaded guilty to the offences at an early stage.

Mr Freize said Lane committed the attempted robbery offences after he had been out the previous night and had taken drugs.

He said Lane's main intention was to get a bike so he could ride home on it.

Lane was also disqualified from driving for three years and five months.