A 12-year-old lad robbed another boy of £10 at knifepoint in a row over a computer, a court heard.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted taking the cash from another 12-year-old in Southampton Street, Swindon, in August.

But a jury at Swindon Crown Court yesterday heard that he told police the note was handed over willingly and was part-payment for an outstanding debt on a computer console.

He denies a charge of robbery under the Theft Act 1968.

In the rare proceedings, Judge John McNaught, bereft of wig and gown, explained the purpose of the trial and function of those involved.

The boy, who is in detention, was allowed to sit next to his mother at the back of the court as opposed to sitting in the dock.

He was invited to scrutinise the nine men and three women of the jury and did not object to any of them.

Prosecuting, Toby Halliwell said the Crown must prove there was a theft and force or threat of force used.

"We say he used a knife to threaten (the victim) in order to steal," said Mr Halliwell.

"The victim was making his way along Southamp-ton Street in the direction of Drove Road on August 29. It was 3.20pm and as he was walking along he saw the defendant with another on the other side of the road.

"The defendant crossed the road towards the victim. He walked up to the victim and said to him 'Have you got any money?'.

"The victim replied "No". The defendant then said "pass me my knife" and at that point the other person handed a red Swiss Army knife to the defendant, who held the knife up towards the victim and told him to empty his pockets."

Mr Halliwell said the victim attempted to hide the £10 in his hand but the defendant snatched it and ran off.

Police arrested him at 4.15pm after the shaken boy's mother reported the incident.

In interview, said Mr Halliwell, the defendant admitted being in Southampton Street at the time but said the £10 was given willingly.

"He denied he had possession of the knife but when he was arrested he was found in possession of it," said Mr Halliwell.

"He said the person he was with had the knife and he was passed the knife afterwards.

"He said three weeks earlier he had sold a Sega Megadrive to the boy, he had received £2 and there remained £15 outstanding. He had simply asked the boy for money and the boy had given him all he had which was £10."

The case continues