TWO youths who robbed a terrified cabbie have been jailed -- while a third who shared in the spoils has kept his freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard Terance Hartley, 18, had pulled a cord around Mohammed Farooq's neck while James Bannister, 15, stole his hard-earned cash.

Ricky Clayton, 15, who had started the incident by suggesting they get a taxi and "do a runner", was shocked by what followed and ran off but still took his share of the proceeds, the court was told.

Mr Farooq, who had been asked to drive to the secluded Colne and Nelson rugby club, thought he was about to be strangled as Hartley pulled the cord, taken from Bannister's trousers, tightly around his neck so his head went back in the seat.

Sentencing, Judge Beverley Lunt said the attack was shocking, serious, appalling, premeditated and pre-planned.

She said the victim was a hard-working family man.

She added that taxi drivers were vulnerable to attack and it was the duty of the courts to deter others who may consider trying robbery like the defendants had done.

Hartley, who left the victim with marks around his neck was sent to custody for two years three months.

Bannister was sentenced to two years in custody.

Clayton, whose barrister had said the incident started off as a glorified practical joke, got a nine month referral order.

The judge told him he had had a narrow escape and added: "That's not a prank. That's a criminal offence."

Bannister, of White Lea Head Farm, Lane House, Trawden, and Hartley, of Skipton Road, Colne, admitted robbery on June 20.

Clayton, of Glenroy Avenue, Colne, pleaded guilty to making off without payment and handling stolen goods.