'Savage' attack on man was filmed

Two teenagers who kicked and stamped on a man's head while filming the attack have been sentenced to youth custody.

The youths assaulted the 20-year-old on Blows Downs, Dunstable, Bedfordshire in April this year. Both were convicted of grievous bodily harm after a trial.

At Luton Crown Court, the 16-year-old, from Houghton Regis, was given three years detention and the 15-year-old, from Dunstable, 18 months.

Judge Andrew Bright QC said: "It was an appalling and savage attack."

'Delight in suffering'

The youths cannot be identified due to their age.

The judge viewed clips of the violence and said he had seen something that "made his hair stand on end".

Branding the elder youth as the "main player" in the violence, the judge told him: "I have no doubt you took delight in watching him suffer."

Judge Bright sentenced the 16-year-old to three years detention for causing grievous bodily harm with intent, robbery and attempted robbery.

The 15-year-old was given an 18-month detention and training order for causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Jan Hayne, prosecuting, said the pair had turned up at the Dunstable home of the 20-year-old, who was known to the elder youth.

Broken jaw

They went to Blows Downs where he was suddenly and without warning shoved to the ground and punched and kicked.

As the attack continued the youths stamped on the man's head and the assault was filmed on a mobile phone.

The attackers made off with his watch, mobile phone and a ring.

He suffered a broken jaw in the attack which required surgery.

The court heard both teenagers had previous convictions.

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