Thugs given suspended sentences after carrying out revenge assault

Daniel Bristow and Mitchell Webb, both aged 20, administered what a judge described as 'a sustained attack' on Jad Bache at a Blackheath taxi company.

The pair had come across their victim by chance on March 25 last year and knocked out one of his front teeth, inflicted soft tissue injuries to his scalp and caused swelling on his face and jaw.

Bristow, of Long Lane, Halesowen, and Webb, of Highfield Road, Rowley Regis, each pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard the attack had been revenge for an earlier attack by Mr Bache on Bristow.

Judge Michael Dudley said he had come very close to detaining the pair after watching 'horrendous' CCTV footage of the attack.

He added: "It was a sustained attack, lasting quite a few minutes and it continued despite the fact members of the public were trying to stop it. Some of those inside the taxi office thought they were witnessing a potential murder. Fortunately for you, it didn't result in more serious injury.

"I've had to think long and hard about this and you've just escaped a custodial sentence of two years."

Bristow and Webb were handed two-year sentences, suspended for two years.

When the pair appeared at court to be sentenced on Friday, Mr Philip Brunt, who defended both of them, said Bristow who had been employed working with his father since the attack was 'capable of hard work to a high standard'.

He added that Webb's actions had been out of character for him and came from a 'sense of loyalty' to his friend.

Bristow and Webb will have to complete the Resolve programme, which is organised by the probation service, as well as complete 300 hours' unpaid work.