Two teenagers who viciously attacked and robbed a woman in Wembley have avoided being sent to a young offenders’ institution.

Sidney Espulien, 19, an a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, snuck up behind their victim before punching her in her face as she walked in Crawford Avenue.

Harrow Crown Court heard when the victim fell to the floor the pair grabbed her handbag and fled during the attack at 7am on November 30 last year.

The woman, who was on her own, suffered a cut lip and bruising to her face.

The pair were caught after officers who were called to the scene spotted them acting suspiciously in nearby Charterhouse Avenue.

They were seen throwing items into a front garden which was later identified as belong to the victim.

Both admitted robbery last week.

Espulien was sentenced to 12 months in a young offenders’ institution, suspended for 24 months, 200 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £100.

The 17-year-old was issued with a rehabilitation order for 18 months.