Young drunken robbers sentenced

The three attackers were sentenced at Mold Crown Court

Three drunken young robbers took part in an "ugly attack" on a man and stole his mobile phone on a canal tow-path, Mold Crown Court was told.

Daniel Messenger, 21, of Castle Caereinion, near Welshpool, Powys, was jailed for four years.

Brothers Jack Thomas, 16, and Tyrone Thomas, 17, of Welshpool, received three years and four months custody.

They admitted robbing Nathanial Warne and were full of remorse, the court heard.

Judge Merfyn Hughes QC decided against making an order prohibiting the identification of the brothers.

The court heard how the three had attacked Mr Warne on the canal path in Welshpool on 27 November last year.

The hearing was told how Mr Warne was stamped on, kicked and his mobile phone stolen. He was subjected to a further attack when he refused to hand over money.

Judge Merfyn Hughes said all three had been drinking heavily

Mr Warne, who is aged in his early 40s, had fallen out with his girlfriend and was sitting near the canal at about 0200 GMT on 27 November, with a wine bottle, when the robbery took place.

Prosecuting barrister Andrew Jebb said the three defendants and a 14-year-old girl, who had not been charged, approached.

"He described being kicked, punched, and stamped upon to the face, head, chest and back," said Mr Jebb.

The court heard that Mr Warne was hit over the head with the wine bottle before crawling about 10 metres into some bushes and brambles.

Mr Warne's face was covered in blood and he was taken to hospital where he was found to have two black eyes, a split lip, cuts and scratches to his face and body, and other injuries. His jacket was ripped and he lost his spectacles.

Defending barristers Simon Mills and Myles Wilson said that the three had admitted their part in what was an ugly and nasty incident, had co-operated in the police investigation, and were full of remorse.

Judge Hughes said had all been drinking heavily which was no doubt some explanation but no excuse whatsoever for what followed.