A Libyan teenager was given a suspended jail term after he robbed and stabbed a friend last Sunday in Paceville.

Both of them had been out drinking and, at one point, the teenager passed out and the victim made off with his mobile phone and wallet. The accused, 17, is not being named because he is a minor.

The following night, the one who had been sick went to his friend and demanded the items back. However, the victim denied taking anything and the accused beat him up and also stabbed him in the backside, causing a 2cm deep gash, sources close to the case said. He took his friend’s phone and wallet, saying they would only be returned when he got his belongings back.

The teenager pleaded guilty to causing slight injury, aggravated theft, holding his friend against his will and being in possession of a knife.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke sentenced him to 18 months in jail suspended for 24 months, fined him €58 and placed the victim under a protection order banning the teenager from contacting him in any way.

Lawyer Shazoo Ghaznavi appeared for the teenager.