A HOMELESS teenager who played a part in slashing the tyres of 28 vehicles was released from prison this week. Johnathon Robinson, 18, egged on Patrick Wong who went on a tyre-slashing spree in Abbots Way, Ely. Wong, 22, stabbed 62-year-old Ronald Reed

A HOMELESS teenager who played a part in slashing the tyres of 28 vehicles was released from prison this week.

Johnathon Robinson, 18, "egged on" Patrick Wong who went on a tyre-slashing spree in Abbots Way, Ely.

Wong, 22, stabbed 62-year-old Ronald Reed in the hand with a craft knife when confronted.

But Ely Magistrates' Court heard on Tuesday that Robinson played no part in the assault.

Prosecuting Katie Tindall said: "Mr Wong carried the knife but Robinson was very much involved. He egged him on and aided and abetted him in his endeavours."

Ms Tindall read a statement from one of the victims, Lisa Reeman, which said: "I have been massively inconvenienced and this has cost me a lot of money. But it is more worrying that young men are walking around near my house carrying knives."

Mitigating, Robert Milson explained that Robinson had become homeless because of tensions with his family and had been going through a difficult period in his life.

He added: "Mr Wong carried the knife and was the leader. Robinson was easily led. He is an intelligent man and plans to go on to further education and get his life back on track."

Robinson had been remanded in custody for two months while he awaited sentencing after previously failing to attend court.

He pleaded guilty to two matters of criminal damage and asked for the other offences to be taken into account.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of 0.9 grammes of cannabis which police found when they questioned him.

Robinson was ordered to pay £25 compensation to the two victims of criminal damage that he pleaded guilty to and fined £50 for possession of cannabis.

He was also ordered to undergo 18 months supervision with the probation service and pay £100 court costs.

Presiding magistrate, Kathy Bradney, said: "You look very pleased to be leaving prison today. Make sure you behave yourself and we don't see you again."

Robinson told the court he would move back in to his mother's home in Sutton.

Wong appeared before magistrates last month.

He admitted causing actual bodily harm and three counts of criminal damage and was ordered to pay £1,000 to his victims, to undergo mental health treatment for 12 months and 18 months supervision with the probation service.

Wong was also given a three-month prison sentence, to run concurrently, suspended for 18 months.