Teenagers spared custody over drunken street attack

Two teenagers who kicked and punched a man in a drunken street attack, leaving him lying unconscious, have been spared a custodial sentence.

Lee Jones, 19, of Melrose Gardens, Wellington, and 18-year-old Jamie Solon, of Montgomery Road, Wellington, admitted assaulting Bryan Dunn, causing him actual bodily harm, during the attack in the town on February 26.

Both were sentenced for the offence at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday.

Jones was sentenced to 40 weeks in a young offenders institution, suspended for two years, and given a 12-month supervision order.

He must also complete an alcohol treatment requirement and was given a three-month night-time curfew and told to pay £250 court costs.

Solon, who was sentenced as a youth because he was 17 when he was convicted, was given a youth rehabilitation order comprising a 12-month supervision order and a three-month night-time curfew.

He must also do 180 hours of unpaid community work and pay £250 court costs.

Mr Rob Edwards, prosecuting, said Mr Dunn, who had been drinking, started the trouble, punching Jones first.

The two teenagers then launched their attack on Mr Dunn.

The victim needed hospital treatment and suffered bruising to the head and face and a cut to his eyebrow which needed stitches.

Mr Paul Smith, for Jones, said he had academic potential and regretted the attack.

Mrs Debra White, for Solon, said there was a degree of provocation and he was remorseful for his actions.

Judge Robin Onions told the defendants they had came very close to being sent to youth custody.