Youths jailed over video attack

Oliver Skeggs (right) was convicted of attempted murder following a trial

Four teenagers have been jailed for a "sickening attack" on a homeless man which they filmed on a mobile phone.

Paul Vickers, 40, was left paralysed and blind in the eye after the assault in Fishbourne, Sussex, in July 2007.

Oliver Skeggs, 17, was given an indeterminate sentence with a minimum term of 13 years for attempted murder.

Ross Beeby, 19, was jailed for 12 years for causing GBH with intent, while Alistair Field, 17, and Terry Bryan, 19, were both given eight years.

I believe this was copying and adding to the violent images already in circulation Judge David Rennie

Judge David Rennie told the Old Bailey the footage of the attack was meant to be uploaded on to the internet and the assault itself was inspired by violent images said to be easily accessible on the web.

The teenagers were told: "The fact that you wanted a video souvenir of this attack is one of the most shocking and sickening aspects of this case"

He added: "I believe this was copying and adding to the violent images already in circulation.

"I am not sure if there is any sufficient censorship of material before it finds its way into the public domain."

The family of Paul Vickers issued a statement which said: "Mr and Mrs Vickers [parents] and family are satisfied with the sentence given today; we feel that justice has been done.

Ross Beeby had pleaded guilty and Terry Bryan was convicted in court

"Paul is left with one eye permanently closed and is completely paralysed down his left side. He will be confined to a wheelchair; probably for the rest of his life.

"We would urge the government to listen to what the judge has said regarding violent images being downloaded onto mobile phones."

They also thanked the nurses at Southampton General Hospital intensive care unit and the staff at Donald Wilson House at St Richards Hospital who cared for Mr Vickers, in the statement.

Police said Mr Vickers will never fully recover from the injuries he received when he was repeatedly struck with the wheel brace while he slept in a bus shelter on 24 July.

A 25-second video filmed on a mobile phone and showing Mr Vickers being attacked was played to the jury during a trial at Lewes Crown Court.

Det Insp Nigel Brown, from Sussex Police, said: "This was a brutal and unprovoked attack on a vulnerable and defenceless victim, who has survived but will never recover from his injuries. "The sentences imposed reflect the gravity and nature of the offence, and the pitiless manner in which it was carried out."

Skeggs, of Velyn Avenue, Chichester, was convicted of attempted murder following a trial at Lewes Crown Court.

Bryan, of Quest Close, Chichester, and Field, of Osborne Crescent, Chichester, were also convicted in court of causing GBH witrh intent.

Ross Beeby, of Hampton Court, Bognor, had previously admitted the same charge.