Youth’s Facebook revenge attack

Reporter: Lewis Jones
Date published: 05 September 2011


A TEENAGE attacker offered a gang of youths cash to continue beating his Facebook enemy.

The 17-year-old boy had punched his 16-year-old victim in the head and side after he had insulted his parents on the social networking site.

Carrying out what the judge described as a “savage street attack”, he then grabbed his victim as he tried to run away.

A blow to the jaw caused the youth to fall to the ground in Dowry Street, Oldham, before the attacker unleashed a string of further attacks.

Oldham Magistrates Youth Court heard on Friday how he then offered a near by group of youths money to carry on the assault resulting in another male hitting the boy.

The offender later carried out a similar beating on his victim’s 22-year-old brother, who had gone out to help his brother.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to the two assaults that took place on Friday, August 19.

Speaking in court the teenager, who dreams of playing rugby and gaining a career in construction, said he regretted what he had done.

District Judge Jonathan Taaffe said: “It’s common for people to sustain serious injuries indeed death from kicks to their body and head while on the floor.

“I would advise that you take up rugby again, channel your aggression that way and start using your time in a proper manner.”

The offender was given a court order including 12 months of supervision and a three-month 8pm-6am curfew.

He was also ordered to pay £75 compensation to each victim.

Judge Taaffe added: “A lot of people have difficult backgrounds but it’s not an excuse.

“Against my better judgement I’m giving you a final chance.”