Chef joined gang attack that collapsed victim's lungs and shattered his ribs
A thug held a saw to a man's neck before joining in a gang attack that left the victim with collapsed lungs and broken ribs.
Bradley Swift, 21, attacked the man at a scrapyard on Coniston Road, off the A689, in Hartlepool, after asking him "why his cousin was trying to set him up." When the man replied that he hadn't spoken with his cousin for five years, Swift punched him twice in the face.
The victim was knocked to the ground and Swift called him a "liar." Swift then joined in with a gang of men who punched and kicked the man as he lay on the ground, on March 18, 2022. At one stage, one of the men held a saw to the victim's neck.
READ MORE: Video shows moment 'pack of dogs gang' set on 14-year-old boy 'because of his skin colour'
READ MORE: Shocking video circulating on social media shows gang attacking man in Middlesbrough town centre
On Thursday, Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court that the attack left the victim "terrified - he could barely breathe or speak." The victim was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton with two collapsed lungs and broken ribs, on both sides.
The victim later identified Swift from his profile photo on Facebook. He attended an identification parade and picked out Swift to the police.
In a statement read out to the court, the victim said that the attack had had a "huge impact on his mental health" and added: "I feel like I can't live a normal life anymore. I'm constantly in fear when I go out."
Swift, of Bruntoft Avenue, West View, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm. He has a previous convictions for public disorder and obstructing a police officer.
In mitigation, the court heard that Swift was 19 at the time of the attack, "and he didn't know how to address his anger." Zaheer Ahmad said that his client, "understands he's at the door of custody."
Swift's barrister said that Swift has since spent time working as a chef, but that he is now unemployed after he was injured in a car crash. "He'd be one of the younger members in prison. In my view, it's appropriate to ask the court for a suspended sentence - there's a good chance of rehabilitation."
Judge Richard Bennett told Swift: "The attack only stopped because someone said that was enough. The victim was told to get in his van or he would be hit again. These were very unpleasant injuries. He's had to have counselling.
"I take into account your age at the time and the current conditions in prison."
Swift walked out of court with a 21-month prison term, suspended for two years. He was ordered to attend 20-rehabilitation days and to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work.
He must pay his victim £500 in compensation, at a rate of £20 a month.
For daily news from Teesside's courts direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free court newsletter