Vicious assault captured on video
May 28 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal
SHOCKED police and magistrates watched video footage of a “vicious, premeditated street attack” which left a teenager unconscious and requiring specialist hospital treatment.
Officers suspect the attack, which was filmed on a mobile phone, was just one of many carried out in Peterlee, County Durham, but that the victims have been too terrified to come forward.
They say the violence is being deliberately choreographed and recorded on mobile phones for potential use on the internet.
Last night detectives pledged to crack down on the offenders, after watching what they described as a “sickening” attack on the defenceless teenager. The youngster, 18, was sitting on a wall outside Fourbouys newsagents in Oakerside Drive, Peterlee, when his assailant, following a countdown from his accomplice, who was recording the incident, lashed out.
He kneed him in the face repeatedly before punching him several times, also in the face.
He then threw the victim down some stone steps where he continued to punch and kick him before stamping on his head, leaving him unconscious.
He required specialist treatment for eye injuries.
The attack took place on Tuesday, May 18, at 7.30pm and the investigating officer, Det Const Lee Blakelock, said the incident was so serious it could not be referred to as “happy slapping”.
He added: “Experienced officers who viewed the recording were sickened by the nature and level of the violence involved.
“This was not a happy slapping attack, it was a vicious, sustained and unprovoked attack in which the victim offered no resistance.
“It was only by dint of good fortune that the victim was not more badly hurt.
“We believe from our inquiries that there have been other incidents of this type but the victims have been too afraid to come forward.
“We would like to reassure them that we will relentlessly pursue those responsible and that this sort of violence will not be tolerated.”
Two local men, both 20, have been remanded in custody by magistrates in Peterlee charged with wounding with intent.
Court proceedings were adjourned until June 4.
Yob culture will not be tolerated - Police
A SENIOR policeman in County Durham hopes that the sentencing of five youths to a total of 90 months behind bars will be a "chilling warning" that yob culture will not be tolerated.
Insp Brian Maudling, head of Durham’s Offender Management Unit, said the group of teenagers carried out an appalling attack on a middle aged man in Darlington who had stepped in to prevent violence flaring up.
The man, in his 40s, was kicked and punched to the ground and the attack continued as he lay helpless on the floor. The incident in the town’s Geneva Crescent last month was caught on CCTV and footage showed the group of juveniles who were aged between 15 and 17 congratulating themselves on the attack.
Insp Maudling said: "This man was left with a fractured jaw. He could have been left for dead. It is the sort of behaviour that has become all too prevalent in many towns and cities throughout the UK.
"This happened late at night in Darlington and when the group appeared before the town’s Youth Court last week they were given 18-month sentences. It came as a shock to them and hopefully it will send out a message to others minded to act in a similar way.
"The courts have shown that this behaviour will never be tolerated in County Durham.
"It was a sickening attack made worse by their callous behaviour in congratulating themselves afterwards. The camera picked them up slapping each other’s backs and hugging each other."
Insp Maudling said parents should also take notice and ask themselves what their children are doing when they are out and about at night.
