Locked up for attack on bus

A PAIR OF drunken thugs from Oldham who attacked and robbed two young teenagers on a late night bus have been sent down for 12 months.

Adam Berry (20) and George Irwin (19) had had so much to drink they could hardly remember the assault which was likened to a street mugging.

And Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, was told they were both “sickened and ashamed” when shown the incident which had been captured on CCTV on the double-decker bus.

They had followed their victims aged 15 and 16 upstairs on the 184 from Oldham town centre on April 21, after chatting at a bus stop.

Both victims described the older two as being extremely drunk, and said one had got on with a pint pot still in his hand.

Minutes after boarding, Berry approached Joseph Hunt, pinned him in his seat, and demanded his mobile phone.

He then punched him in the face and took the phone, before moving on to the other youth and demanding his iPod and phone.

Both youngsters were punched by the two men, who after getting what they wanted, ran down the stairs and got off.

After being arrested, Irwin of Kensington Avenue, Royton, admitted being involved, but blamed Berry for selling the stolen goods at a shop in Oldham. Berry, of Spring Meadow Lane, Uppermill, Oldham, told police he couldn’t remember.

Each pleaded guilty to two offences of robbery, and were sentenced to 12 months concurrent at a young offenders’ institution for each. Recorder Louise Bancroft told them: “Neither of these youngsters were able to get out of their seats because of where you were standing, and it must have been intimidating and frightening for them.

“You were both extremely drunk, and I am not surprised that when you watched the CCTV footage showing what you had done, you were sickened and ashamed.”

She told them both: “I can see no sufficient mitigation to draw back from imposing an immediate custodial sentence.”

Jonathan Savage defending Berry, said the incident was an “extremely unpleasant episode of loutish behaviour” and his client had been appalled when he saw the video clip.

He said alcohol was the underlying problem caused by depression that was sparked off by the suicide of an uncle that had been close to him.

Angus Macdonald for Irwin, said the incident on the bus had been opportunistic rather than planned. Irwin, whose partner is expecting, was attempting to correct a life of drugs and alcohol.