AN AXE-wielding robber terrified a young couple and their two-year-old son during a street robbery in Newport, a court heard.

Robber Ellis Abdie, 19, was sent to a young offenders' institution for 28 months and was told by judge Phillip Richards: "You committed a terrifying crime."

Abdie, of Commercial Road, Pill, Newport, pleaded guilty to robbing Lisa Evans, her boyfriend, Scott Morgan, and their two-year-old child.

Prosecutor Stephen Jeary told Cardiff crown court that on October 10 the three went to the Royal Gwent Hospital for Mr Morgan to receive treatment to his leg, and when they left at about 2.30pm he was on crutches. They went to the Pill area to meet a friend.

"They passed a group of six or seven men and one made a comment which intimidated Ms Evans.

Soon after, said Mr Jeary, they were confronted by Abdie saying: "What are you after, are you scoring?" referring to drugs. Ms Evans said they were not interested.

Abdie demanded her money and when she refused he suddenly produced an axe.

He lifted it above his head and swung it towards her, shouting: "Give it to me or I'll knife your boyfriend in front of your baby."

She panicked and took £40 from her purse. Abdie took the money and walked away, laughing.

The couple called the police and gave officers a good description. Abdie was arrested and was later identified by the couple, but he claimed they had been trying to buy drugs. His counsel, Claire Pickthall, said: "He is not unintelligent and has some promise. At the time there had been a great upheaval in his life.

"In a moment of utter madness he did something to make himself look impressive in front of his peers."

The judge said: "The only possible way of dealing with the offence is by a term of custody."