Thugs who attacked teenager after trying to take dog locked up

The 16-year-old victim was beaten up by a youth of the same age and Jordan Ruston, a judge was told.

The victim was out with his girlfriend walking their dog when the youth came up to him and said 'I want your dog'.

When the teenager refused, the youth punched him in the face four or five times, prosecutor Miss Jane Sarginson said.

The youth then goaded co-accused Ruston to join in. Ruston hit the victim on the back of the head. He ended up in the middle of the road where the two attackers kicked and stamped on him, the court heard.

The attack in Ponesfield Road, Lichfield, stopped when passers by appeared and the defendants ran off.

Ruston, aged 19, of Dimbles Lane, Lichfield was sent to youth custody for 18 months after admitting a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm.

His 16-year-old co-accused was sentenced by a youth court to 18 months detention and training for the same offence.

Recorder Mr Dennis Desmond told Ruston: "You must have seen the attack (by the co-accused) and you joined in.

"The two of you 'put the boot in', kicking and stamping on his head. It was a cowardly attack, completely unprovoked."

Miss Sarginson said that as a result of the attack, on April 1 this year, the victim, who cannot be named, suffered a broken tooth, other teeth were loosened and he also had bruising and scratches.

Mr Steve Hennessey, defending, said Ruston was at the tail end of the assault and on several occasions resisted the invitation to join in.

"It was a deeply unpleasant incident and he bitterly regrets he didn't stick to his guns. He didn't know what the argument was about, he hadn't heard the previous comments (about the dog)."