Young thugs locked up over attack

TWO teenage thugs who left a man severely disabled following a brutal attack were locked up yesterday.

Ajani Tella was set upon by the pair – aged 15 and 16 – as he returned home from church.

The 59-year- old Nigerian, who has lived in the UK for 16 years, had his head kicked and stamped on 20 times during the assault in Springburn, Glasgow, in August.

Mr Tella is still in hospital – with little hope of recovery.

Prosecutor Stewart Ronnie told the High Court in Glasgow that he is likely to be severely disabled for the rest of his life.

He added: ‘It is unlikely that he will ever be able to live independently again. It is unclear if he will ever be able to communicate effectively ever again.’

The 16-year- old’s lawyer Duncan McPhie said: ‘He describes the incident as “a carry-on that went too far”.’

The attackers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to attempted murder at an earlier hearing.

Yesterday, Lord Burns sentenced the 16-year-old – who also admitted breaching bail – to six years and three months.

The 15-year- old was detained for six years and nine months.

The 15-year- old will be supervised for five years on his release, while the older youth will be monitored for four years.