Custody for three in attack
Three Telford men who viciously assaulted a man and left him lying on the ground fighting for his life have been sentenced to four years in custody. Three Telford men who viciously assaulted a man and left him lying on the ground fighting for his life have been sentenced to four years in custody. Robert Clark, of Urban Gardens, Wellington; Craig East, of Rushbury Road, Wellington, and Carl Robinson, of Oakfield Road, Wellington, were sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday after previously admitting causing Stephen Kenny grievous bodily harm. The court heard how Mr Kenny was found semi-conscious in Vineyard Road, Wellington, on August 19 last year after being subjected to a barrage of kicks to the head and face.Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Three Telford men who viciously assaulted a man and left him lying on the ground fighting for his life have been sentenced to four years in custody.Robert Clark, of Urban Gardens, Wellington; Craig East, of Rushbury Road, Wellington, and Carl Robinson, of Oakfield Road, Wellington, were sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday after previously admitting causing Stephen Kenny grievous bodily harm.
East and Robinson, both 21, were sent to jail, while 20-year-old Clark will serve the sentence in a young offenders' institution.
Recorder Mr David Tucker described it as an "appalling attack".
The court heard how Mr Kenny was found semi-conscious in Vineyard Road, Wellington, on August 19 last year after being subjected to a barrage of kicks to the head and face.
Carol Knotts, prosecuting, said Mr Kenny, a former hospital porter, spent six days in hospital following the assault, including two days in the intensive care unit.
She said his injuries were consistent with a "severe" head injury and initially he was unable to breathe on his own.
Miss Knotts said the attack happened after Mr Kenny confronted the trio after one made a comment as he walked past them with a female friend.
The court heard they then chased Mr Kenny before one of the group punched him. When Mr Kenny fell to the ground the trio kicked him repeatedly.
Miss Knotts said the victim's friend Susan Evans was told "your mate's dead" and said other witnesses saw the three later boasting about their actions.
Sentencing, Mr Tucker said the attack had a dramatic impact on Mr Kenny's life and led to him quitting his job.
He told the trio: "You have pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent on Mr Kenny in what was an appalling attack.
"You could have all been facing a murder charge and I hope you realise that."
Daniel White, for Clark, said his client, who had been training to become a legal executive, was extremely remorseful. Sarah Allen, for East and Robinson, said East had shown compassion by moving Mr Kenny from the roadside to the path after the assault.