TWO robbers who attacked a man as he walked home following a night out have been jailed.

James Donohoe and Graeme Chappell followed their victim as he walked home from Sunderland city centre, in the early hours of December 29 last year.

The 32-year-old victim was then hit over the head with a bottle before the raiders stole his mobile phone, cash and a vape – leaving him lying in the street with cuts to his head and bruises.

Donohoe and Chappell’s attack was captured on CCTV and the pair were seen walking from the scene shortly after.

Both have been convicted of robbery and assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Newcastle Crown Court. Donohoe also admitted a further charge of possessing an offensive weapon.

On Monday, November 2 both men were sentenced to six-and-a-half years in custody.

In a statement, the victim said: “This incident has caused me anxiety and I no longer walk home in the dark on a night.

“Nobody has the right to do this to me.”

Detective Constable Leigh Booth, who led the investigation, said: “This was a callous and pre-meditated attack as the pair saw their victim near a nightclub and then proceeded to follow him home.

"Knowing he was defenceless and outnumbered, they then hit him over the head with a glass bottle before raining down kicks and punches upon him. After swiping his mobile phone, cash and personal belongings, they then left their vulnerable victim lying in the street in the middle of the night and brazenly walked off.

“Their behaviour is absolutely inexcusable and violent crimes such as this will not be tolerated in this city. I am pleased that the severity of their crimes have been recognised with this substantial jail sentence.

“I hope this strong sentence sends a message to other would-be offenders who look to prey on the vulnerable – you will be caught, you will be hauled into court and you will be put behind bars.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case for his bravery and cooperation throughout the investigation, and hope this outcome can offer some comfort to him.”

Donohoe, 31, of Ennerdale, Washington, and Chappell, 41, of High Street, Sunderland, both refused to cooperate with police in interview.

However, with substantial evidence against them, both pleaded guilty in court and were subsequently jailed.