A ROBBER tried to drag a commuter on to live underground tracks after mugging his alleged victim on a busy tube platform, a court heard.

Daniel Sambrook, 20, shouted: ‘You’re going on to the tracks’ after Christopher Deary had handed over his phone and Oyster card to accomplice David Watts, 21, jurors heard.

Both Sambrook and Watts attacked Mr Deary at Dagenham East station in Essex, on November 24 2009, Snaresbrook Crown Court was told.

After boarding the same train as Watts at about 6.30pm, Mr Deary pleaded for the return of his mobile phone’s memory card which contained ‘precious’ photos of his grandfather, but he was refused, the court heard.

Shocked Mr Deary had believed the alleged attack was over but then Sambrook returned, the court heard.

Prosecutor Gary Willmott said: ‘Shortly thereafter Mr Sambrook said: “You’re going on to the tracks.”

‘Mr Sambrook tries to pull Mr Deary on the tracks.’

Sambrook, of Homestead Road, Dagenham, denies robbery.

Watts, of no fixed address, is not before the jury.

The trial continues.