Teenagethugscaged for violent street attack
TWO teenage thugs have been jailed for attacking a stranger and stealing his phone.
At Glasgow Sheriff Court, both David McIntyre and Ryan O’Connor pleaded guilty to assaulting a man in the city’s Paisley Road West on April 12.
The 19-year-olds, alongside two others, demanded the victim hand over his wallet. They threatened to stab him, repeatedly kicked and punched him on the head and body, and seized hold of him – causing him to fall to the ground. The mob then repeatedly stabbed him on the body with an unknown item to his severe injury, and did rob him of his mobile phone.
In defence of McIntyre, it was highlighted that he was a first offender, had positive support from his family, and had shown remorse by accepting responsibility of the attack. O’Connor’s defence agent stated that his client had also accepted responsibility and was “fully aware of the role he played in this horrible act”.
The lawyer added that the accused was “disgusted” with his actions and agreed that the victim should not have been assaulted.
The lawyer noted: “I have concerns for this young man’s mental health.”
O’Connor was said to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety following an attack when he was 11.
The accused, who had been brought up in the care system, was said to be caught in a vicious cycle with the threat of Polmont Young Offenders Institute looming.
The lawyer stated that O’Connor could make something of himself if he was given a chance: “He has potential but he needs guidance.”
He has since removed himself from that group of peers and wished to put the incident behind him and settle down with his partner. The sheriff scolded the teens: “This was a vicious attack on a stranger when you had both been drinking.”
Due to the victim’s serious injuries custody was seen as the only appropriate disposal.
McIntyre, of Kelhead Path, was jailed for 18 months following the attack and for breaking his bail conditions on May 12.
O’Connor, of Brand Street, was jailed for 27 months because of his criminal record.