Two takeaway thugs are put behind bars
TWO thugs who knocked a man unconscious and repeatedly stamped on and kicked him in the head during a late-night takeaway brawl have been jailed.
Jonathan Bugat, 26, and Benjamin Higgins, 24, were told by a judge that they took part in ‘an appalling act of public violence’ at Mimis pizza and kebab takeaway, on Bacup Road, Rawtenstall at around 2.30am on Sunday, October 8, 2017.
They were sentenced at Burnley Crown Court along with Rhys Tigh, 18, of School Street, Bacup who also took part in the violence but whose role was much less involved.
Bugat had earlier pleaded guilty to three counts of ABH on victims James Barlow, Joseph Bibby and Gabriel Whelan, as well as one count of affray.
Higgins and Tigh admitted to ABH on Mr Barlow and Mr Bibby, along with one count each of affray.
Prosecuting, Anthony Stephenson showed a five-minute CCTV clip of the incident to the court.
In the footage Bugat, who works as a joiner, and Higgins, a bricklayer, are seen at the counter of Mimis takeaway with sev- eral other people present.
The pair are seen violently confronting others in the premises before Mr Barlow is felled by a punch and falls to the floor unconscious.
Judge Nicholas Barker, said: “You both are seen kicking and stamping on his head and torso, returning several times.
“Remarkably he did not receive serious injuries. This is extremely fortunate for you as this court knows only too well many people do not rise from the floor again after being on the end of such an onslaught.”
During the footage Bugat is seen throwing objects including a stool and Higgins is seen to bite one of the victims.
Tigh, who is a cousin of the other two defendants, became involved part way through the altercation, throwing a single punch and launching one kick.
Defending Higgins, Bob Elias said that on that night his client had drunk half a litre of whiskey before visiting at least two pubs in Rawtenstall.
He said: “This has been a shock for him. He’s ashamed and wishes to apologise. Since this incident he has stopped drinking altogether.”
James Heyworth, representing Bugat said references described him as a ‘gentle giant’ and that the incident was ‘completely out of character’.
Bugat, of Booth Crescent, Waterfoot, and Higgins, of Fairfield Avenue, Waterfoot, were jailed for 20 months each.
Tigh was handed a twoyear community order and will be subject to a curfew from 8pm until 6am for the next three months.