AN "imprisonment for public protection" sentence passed on a 26-year-old Huddersfield man is thought to be a first for the region.

Sheldon Coore, who has a string of previous convictions, including robbery and wounding, has been locked up under new legislation.

Coore, who is 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 15 stone, first committed robbery offences back in 1993.

Bradford Crown Court heard that in May this year he attacked a man on his way back from a shop.

Neil Webb was put in a head-lock and had £20 taken from his pocket by Coore during the incident in Rawthorpe.

Honorary Recorder of Bradford Judge Stephen Gullick explained Coore was now eligible for an imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentence.

Under the new legislation, which applies to certain offences committed after April 4 this year, IPP sentences can be imposed if the judge concludes that the offender presents a significant risk of serious of harm to the public.

By pleading guilty to the latest robbery allegation, Coore, of Bradley Mills Road, Rawthorpe, qualified for consideration for such a sentence.

Judge Gullick told him that the latest offence and his previous record meant it was quite proper to conclude that he posed a risk to the public.

Under an IPP sentence, the judge sets a minimum term the defendant must serve before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.

Judge Gullick stressed that the two years and 65 days he imposed on Coore was only a minimum.

"I warn you that the date I'm giving you will not be the date when you get parole," said Judge Gullick.

"It is the date at which the Parole Board can first consider whether it is appropriate to release you into the public domain.

"If they consider that it is not appropriate and consider it is appropriate for you to be detained for the protection of the public you will not be released."

He told Coore that it was effectively a life sentence and it was entirely up to the Parole Board to decide when he would be released.

Following any release Coore would probably be on licence for the next 10 years, but that could be changed to licence for the rest of his life if it was felt appropriate.

Coore's barrister Ken Green explained how his client's size and build had led to him getting a reputation as a youngster.

He pointed out that his earlier robbery convictions related to bullying- type offences.

Coore also had convictions for wounding and blackmail and at the time of the latest robbery he claimed to have had a drug habit costing £500-a-week.