A THIEF was branded a "little Hitler" by a judge for pretending to be a school caretaker to violently demand money.

After a drunken night out with friends, Bradley Martin, 18, took £128 from youths - and will now face them again as part of his penalty.

Reading Crown Court heard that Martin shouted at three youths as they walked past Beaconsfield High School.

He said he was the caretaker and demanded cash, the court heard.

Nadia Chbat, prosecuting, said: "The defendant was shouting that he was the caretaker and demanding £100 from one of the group who took out his wallet and gave him £100."

Martin, with friends, took £25 off one boy and £3 and a mobile phone from the other, who he had hit around the head.

The three victims were returning from a birthday party when the attack happened.

Martin, from Crosby Close, Beaconsfield, was arrested on July 15 after being recognised by one of his victims.

Brian Argyle, defending, produced 50 character statements for Bradley who has been working for his father's carpentry business and was of previous good character.

He told the court that his client was remorseful for his actions and would like the opportunity to apologise to his victims.

Martin admitted two counts of theft and one count of assault.

Mr Recorder David Radcliffe ordered him to attend a restorative justice programme with his victims.

He was also sentenced to complete 160 hours of unpaid work in the community and will have to comply with a supervision order for three months.

He told Martin: "You acted like you were a little Hitler, stating that you were a school caretaker to demand £100 and stealing £25 from one victim and £3 from another after hitting him around the head.

"The offence does not meet the custody threshold but it is serious enough to make a community penalty on you.

"Some people may think this means you have been let off but let me assure you that you have not."