Violent attacker as he is jailed for three years – 'I just joined in. I am an idiot'

Connor Gent accepted he joined in the brutal attack ‘like an idiot’ when the man was chased down an alley following a row over money.

The violent attack was launched after the victim was asked for some cash he was accused of owing to Gent's co-accused before attempting to run away, Teesside Crown Court heard.

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The chase and its violent aftermath was caught on CCTV in the Queen Street area of Redcar on April 30 last year.

Connor Gent

Nigel Soppitt, prosecuting, said the man was initially pushed hard into a wall by one of the attackers before Gent followed up with a full force kick to the face.

"The next thing he (the victim) can remember is picking himself up and hearing both of them laughing saying 'We have left him for dead'," he said.

"The footage shows he was pushed with significant force into the wall and that caused him to fall, then you can see Gent run at him and kick him to the head with significant force."

Mr Soppitt said the victim suffered a fractured skull and left knee cap as a result of the attack.

In a victim impact statement the man said he was now unable to enjoy 'banter' when he goes out in case he is attacked again.

He said he felt sick and had to go home when he tried to visit Redcar in the wake of the assault.

Gent, of Wharton Street, Skelton, east Cleveland, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent following the violent confrontation.

The court heard how the 22-year-old’s co-accused is already serving an 18-month prison sentence for the role he played in the violent attack after he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

Andrew Turton, in mitigation, said Gent described his own actions perfectly – 'I just joined in. I am an idiot'.

He said: "The incident was not of concern to him and he shouldn't have got involved and not have joined in any attack on the complainant but he did."

Mr Turton said the CCTV clearly showed the 'stupid' actions of his client as he joined in the chase of the victim and delivered the kick as the man was laid on the floor.

He added: "As far as he is concerned it is one kick with a shod foot while the complainant was prone."

Judge Recorder John Aitken said 'you gave him a kick with all of your might' as he jailed him for three years for the brutal attack.

He said: "He suffered a fracture around the face and also his kneecap. He has suffered a loss of confidence, not surprisingly, after the beating he received from you and your co-accused."

Gent was also served with a three-year restraining order to keep him away from his victim.