TWO teenagers aged 15 and 17 were today behind bars awaiting separate trials for allegedly holding up people in York streets with weapons.

They were among four boys charged with knife or broken bottle robberies to come before York Youth Court on the same day. The youngest is aged 14.

The 17-year-old, from Acomb, is alleged to have tried to rob a bus driver at knifepoint with a 16-year-old accomplice, also from west York.

The driver had stopped at a bus stop in Chapelfields at 9.15pm on May 17.

The 15-year-old, from the Huntington Road area of York, is alleged to have robbed a cyclist by threatening him with a broken bottle in Kingsway West, Acomb, at 10pm on May 24.

The youngest boy is accused of a knifepoint robbery in his home town of Selby.

Youth justices decided the cases against the two youngest boys were too serious for them to deal with and ordered that they be sent to York Crown Court for trial by a judge and jury. They adjourned their cases for committal papers to be prepared.

They remanded the 15-year-old, represented by Jackie Knights, in custody and remanded the 14-year-old into the care of North Yorkshire social services. He is represented by Denis Lofthouse.

The case against the two teenagers charged with attempted robbery against the bus driver was adjourned for legal reasons.

No decision was made on whether the case will also go to the crown court or stay in the youth court.

The 17-year-old, represented by Lee Goodchild, was remanded in custody. The 16-year-old was released on bail.

Updated: 10:47 Wednesday, June 04, 2003