TWO youths who were part of a vicious mob who attacked a champion athlete walked free from court yesterday.

Jared Deacon, 29, was pelted with makeshift missiles before being punched in Horsley Hill Square, South Shields, South Tyneside, after visiting his mother on August 17, last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Mr Deacon, and later his brothers, David and John, who he called on his mobile for help, had bottles and cans thrown at them by a gang of 20 youths.

Teenagers Craig Winter and Ross Young denied being part of the gang, but were found guilty by a jury.

After the verdict, the judge, Recorder David Myerson, said he believed the attack was motivated because Mr Deacon had achieved something in his life, which his attackers had not.

The court heard how Mr Deacon was unable to get away from the mob because his Vespa motorscooter had been kicked to the ground, which resulted in the engine flooding.

He told jurors he believed he had been recognised by his attackers, who had taunted him with comments including, "You won't be going to the Olympics now", and said he was left with a black eye.

John Deacon told the court how he heard members of the mob tell his brother: "We will break your legs. You won't be going to the Olympics."

The majority of the youths have not been identified.

Winter, 18, of Cheviot Road, South Shields, denied affray and assaulting Jared Deacon by beating.

Young, 17, of Lumley Avenue, South Shields, denied affray, damaging property in relation to the bike and common assault on David Deacon.

Both were found guilty of all the charges after two hours of deliberation by the jury.

Both teenagers were ordered to carry out 150 hours of community punishment. Young was fined £20 and ordered to pay £600 compensation to Mr Deacon. Winter was ordered to pay the athlete £500 compensation.