Boys took part in attack on youth (From News Shopper)

Boys took part in attack on youth

11:00am Tuesday 23rd January 2007

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TWO teenagers have been given referral orders after taking part in a mob attack on another youth.

Bexley Youth Court heard how the 14 and 15-year-olds joined in the attack in Bexleyheath Broadway on October 13 last year.

Up to 20 black youngsters had gathered in the Broadway near the RSVP bar.

A white youth was beckoned over by the group, who believed he was a member of the Erith-based RA gang.

After an exchange of words, the boy walked off but the youths punched, kicked and dragged him to the ground.

Members of the public then stepped in to rescue him.

Police were not called and the victim did not report the attack.

But officers later seized CCTV footage and identified 12 youths who were all charged with affray.

The 15-year-old, who is from Belvedere, and the 14-year-old who is from Plumstead, pleaded guilty to the charge last week.

They were seen punching and kicking the victim.

After viewing the CCTV footage, Paul Brady, representing the younger boy, said his client accepted his "appalling and unacceptable" actions.

He said: "I am tempted to say there was a racial motive.

"I know there are two groups in the borough, one called the RA, which is predominantly white, and one called T Block, which is predominantly black.

"But I don't think it was racial. "Black and white people both intervened to stop it."

For the older boy, Laura Belcher said her client was on his way home from school and did not even know the other boys involved.

She said: "His emotions got the better of him and he is now disgusted with his actions."

Sentencing the 15-year-old to a 12-month referral order and the 14-year-old to a nine-month referral order, District Judge Paul Carr said it was parents' responsibility to see their children did not become involved in such actions.

He added: "I will not tolerate this behaviour and nor will the community."

Ten others have already received 12-month referral orders for their part in the attack.

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