A university student, Ivan Rosa Kita, avoided jail after joining a robbery gang in Manchester city centre.

At the age of 18, Kita joined three others who violently attacked people returning home from various outings. Although an accepted fact by the court is that Kita did not use violence, he was included in the group as an intimidation factor.

Kita, alongside Nuno Ribeiro, Marco Da Luz, and Helio Antonio Alexandre, admitted to conspiracy to commit robbery. During his sentencing on September 20, Kita received a suspended sentence at the court.

The court was informed that on April 23, the gang visited the Cargo nightclub located in the Printworks and left around 4 am.

Judge Peter Horgan described how the gang encountered two men heading home after work. One member forcibly took an expensive jacket from one of the men.

During the altercation, Ribeiro punched one man, causing him to fall, and Kita then took the man's phone, stating, "I’ll have that."

The assaulted man expressed his ongoing fear for his safety while traveling home from work. The court heard that both men were attacked.

Not long after, another intoxicated man was approached on Market Street with Ribeiro aggressively demanding his jacket. The man was then attacked and suffered head injuries from the fall.

Ribeiro and Da Luz continued to assault the man, inflicting a broken jaw while Kita watched. Police found the first victim’s phone and his cap in Kita's bedroom following his arrest.

Judge Horgan noted Kita did not engage in the violence but was part of the group targeting individuals for their valuable items.

In court, Kita admitted to possessing the stolen phone and acknowledged his wrongful actions, influenced by peer pressure and a desire to appear tough.

Betsy Hindle, defending Kita, stated he was not involved in the violence and had no awareness of the larger plot. She highlighted his exemplary behavior, volunteer work, and lack of prior convictions.

Ultimately, Kita received a two-year suspended prison sentence and must complete 250 hours of unpaid work and 25 days of rehabilitation activities.

Judge Horgan emphasized Kita's progress and potential for rehabilitation. Marco Da Luz is set to be sentenced on Monday, while Nuno Ribeiro and Helio Antonio Alexandre will face sentencing later this year.