Takeaway thugs caught on CCTV are facing prison
Court told victims suffered ‘very serious piece of sustained violence’ in the late night attack
THUGS have admitted carrying out serious and prolonged assaults in a kebab shop, leaving three victims injured.
Jonathan Bugat, 25, of Waterfoot, and Benjamin Higgins, 28, of Burnley, have been warned they face a prison sentence after pleading guilty to counts of actual bodily harm and affray, at Preston Crown Court. The 3am altercation at Mimis takeaway, on Bacup Road, Rawtenstall took place last October.
The court was shown CCTV of a volley of punches lasting around two minutes. One of the victims was left prone on the floor as he was kicked in the torso and legs.
Judge Nicholas Barker described the behaviour of Bugat and Higgins as ‘a very serious piece of sustained violence in a public place’.
He added he was keeping all options open in respect of a third defendant Rhys Tigh, 18, of Bacup, who also admitted ABH and affray.
TWO thugs who took a lead role in a ‘prolonged and sustained act of violence’ in a Rawtenstall town centre takeaway have been warned they face custodial sentences.
Three victims were injured following an altercation at Mimis pizza and kebab takeaway, on Bacup Road, at around 3am on Sunday, October 8, 2017.
Defendants Jonathan Bugat, 25, of Booth Crescent, Waterfoot, Benjamin Higgins, 28, of Travis Street, Burnley, and Rhys Tigh, 18, of School Street, Bacup all admitted counts of causing actual bodily harm and affray.
Bugat and Higgins have been warned they face a prison sentence.
Ahead of a scheduled five-day trial at Preston Crown Court, Bugat changed his plea to guilty to three counts of ABH on victims James Barlow, Joseph Bibby and Gabriel Whelan, as well as one count of affray.
Both Higgins and Tigh, who had also earlier denied the charges, entered guilty pleas to ABH on Mr Barlow and Mr Bibby, along with one count each of affray.
The court was shown CCTV of the accused men inside and outside the takeaway on the night in question where they were clearly identified.
The film showed violence over around two minutes, including a volley of punches.
One of the victims was seen prone on the floor of the takeaway, as he was kicked in the torso and legs.
Judge Nicholas Barker described the behaviour of Bugat and Higgins as ‘a very serious piece of sustained violence in a public place’.
He said: “You have finally seen fit to plead guilty in this case.
“One fails to understand how you thought you would be cleared, having seen the CCTV.”
Judge Barker said he would be imposing custodial sentences on two of the guilty men.
He said: “Bugat and Higgins, you should be under no illusion about the type of sentence you will be given next time I see you. In the case of Mr Tigh I am keeping all options open.”
The court heard that both Higgins and Tigh had no previous convictions.
Judge Barker adjourned the sentencing for pre- sentence reports to be prepared by the probation service.
The three men will be sentenced at Burnley Crown Court on September 11. Until then they were released on unconditional bail.