A MUGGER who pounced on his victim outside a police station has walked free after he claimed he was desperate for money for his new baby.

Thutmose Stanbury, 19, and a 17-year-old accomplice, who cannot be named for legal reasons, trailed victim Sabir Hussain and son Hassan after he withdrew �5,000 in cash from Barclays bank in Stratford.

The pair attacked Mr Hussain outside Stratford Police Station in West Ham Lane shortly after 1pm on May 19, snatching an envelope containing the cash from his inside pocket.

The envelope ripped, spilling �20 notes on the pavement, and the muggers fled the scene with just �60.

Stanbury, 19, was handed a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, an 18 month supervision order and 150 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to robbery at the Old Bailey.

His partner in crime, who denied any involvement, was convicted following a trial but has since disappeared.

A warrant was on Friday October 22, issued for his arrest after his defence barrister admitted he had been unable to contact him.

Danielle Cooper, defending, said Stanbury had acted out of “desperation for money” because his son was due to be born.

“He has taken important steps to change his life and take responsibility for his child,” she said.

Passing sentence, Judge Stephen Kramer QC said: “I am satisfied that this was an opportunist, joint attack on someone who you must have known had withdrawn a substantial amount of money.

“What you did must have been very frightening for the victim.

“I accept that no weapons were used and no physical injuries were caused, but this is a serious offence.

“You have come within a whisker of being sent to custody.

“I hope what the court has done today means we will never see you again.’

Stanbury, of Flat 34 Denyer House, Highgate Road, Kentish Town, has a single previous conviction for possessing cannabis.