A MAN involved in an attack on a Kosovan doctor has been told he has let down the country.

Magistrates at Darlington yesterday gave Lewis Glancey, 20, of Larchfield Street, Darlington, a suspended prison sentence for his role in the attack on Dr Afrim Salihu.

Glancey pleaded guilty to affray and stealing a stethoscope and CDs from Dr Salihu.

Glancey had been drinking with two 16-year-olds when the incident took place in May.

Dr Salihu was waiting for a bus in Darlington town centre when he was surrounded by the youths.

Barry Smith, prosecuting, said one of the younger youths punched Dr Salihu, who ran away leaving two suitcases behind. Glancey was seen on closed-circuit television cameras pursuing Dr Salihu, but was unable to catch him.

He was later seen going through the suitcases and had a stethoscope around his neck.

Kevin Ross, mitigating, said the incident was out of character for Glancey, who had never been in trouble with the police before and was full of remorse.

Bench chairman Brian Avery sentenced Glancey to six months custody, suspended for one year.

Mr Avery said: "We are not going to tolerate this behaviour to innocent people.

"You have damaged the image of this country - what is this man going to think?"

Glancey was also sentenced to 150 hours community service and ordered to pay £34 costs.