Thugs jailed for attack on innocent bystander

Two thugs who wrecked the life of an innocent teenager, crashing a vodka bottle over his head and stamping on him, have been locked up.

Jake Jarvis spent 18 days in intensive care and two months in hospital following the attack on New Year's Eve outside The Royal Oak in Portobello.

Neil Hickman, aged 23, hurled a vodka bottle overarm at close range, hitting the 18-year-old on the head Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday heard.The blow knocked out the helpless teenager.

Mr Jarvis, who was trying to avoid the trouble that flared outside the pub at 4am while waiting for a taxi. Myles Holder, also 23, then stamped on him.

Mr Hugh O'Brien-Quinn, prosecuting, said: "This case exemplifies the tragic consequences of gratuitous drunken violence. The life of Mr Jarvis has been absolutely devastated by those few moments of madness."

Mr Jarvis, who lives in Darlaston, suffered head injuries which have left him unable to use either his right arm or move his right leg below the knee.

Disaster struck while he was waiting for a taxi outside the pub. He was suddenly pushed by Holder who asked: "Why are your hands in your trousers like a bad lad?"

The two defendants then started to punch Mr Jarvis, Holder chased after him, raining down blows as he retreated, while Hickman hurled the vodka bottled and the pair of thugs kicked and stamped on him.

Mr Christopher O'Gorman, defending Hickman, who was of previous good character, said: "These were a terrible few seconds. He had not taken the bottle out of the pub to use as a weapon. What he did was instantaneous."

Hickman, of Clarence Road, Bilston, admitted wounding with intent and was sent to prison for seven-and-a-half years.

Holder, of Vaughan Road, Portobello, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and was jailed for two and a half years.

Holder, who had previous convictions for battery and racially aggravated threatening behaviour.