'Bullies' Cameron Lilley and Alexander Tudor have avoided jail, despite robbing a student in Cirencester's Abbey Grounds, after drinking a bottle of vodka between them.

Tudor, 20, of Windmill Road, Kemble, admitted robbing the 17-year-old of cash but Lilley, also 20, of Golden Farm Road, Cirencester, denied it and was convicted by a jury last month.

Lilley was also convicted of assaulting another sixth former from King's School, Gloucester, with intent to rob him during the same incident.

At Gloucester Crown Court Judge Michael Cullum gave both defendants detention sentences but suspended them.

He told the pair: "You were both involved in a deeply unpleasant incident when, effectively, you bullied a group of young lads. I have no doubt you did so simply because matters got out of hand and because you had obviously had a lot to drink.

"You then acted in a way which I have no doubt was entirely out of character. You saw the group of lads enjoying themselves. You went to chat with them and then things took a rather sinister turn.

"Lilley assaulted one of the victims, saying you 'wanted his pennies.' You then joined in with Tudor when the two of you set on another of the lads . He was punched and robbed by the two of you. He was forced to give up the money he had. He said it was £30 but you Tudor say it was £20.

"You should both be entirely ashamed. They were both under 18 and significantly younger than you. You acted in a bullying way in a public place."

Tudor was sentenced to 12 months detention suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay his victim £130 compensation plus £340 costs. He was ordered to do 120 hours unpaid work and the judge imposed a three month 8pm-5am curfew on him.

Lilley was sentenced to 18 months detention suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay £100 compensation to each of the two victims as well as trial costs of £3,000. He was ordered to do 180 hours of unpaid work and placed on a four month 8pm-5am curfew.

At the start of the trial, prosecutor Janine Wood had told the jury the Kings School boys went to Cirencester to celebrate the birthday of one of their group.

"Lilley was also in the Abbey grounds and he walked over and spoke to the pupils," she said.

"The pupils then decided to leave but were followed. One of the group following them was the defendant. He put both hands to the upper body of one of the boys and said 'Where's your pennies?' That boy was then punched a couple of times on the jaw.

"The other boy was then approached by Tudor, who told him 'Give me all your money.' Another friend went to try to help him and was punched as well.

"The 17 year old was scared and handed over £30 to Tudor."

Lilley claimed in evidence that he had done nothing wrong and that Tudor was solely responsible for what happened.

Judge Cullum told both defence barristers that he had decided to suspend the sentences and he did not need to hear from them unless they wished to argue against that.

The judge heard that Lilley was of previous good character and Tudor had only a caution for a drugs offence on his record.

Probation officer Neil Hewitt said he had interviewed Lilley post conviction and he was remorseful and prepared to write apologies to the victims.