'Tablet-taking' teen sent to 'big boys' jail' after quad bike assault

A teenager on a quad bike, who sped up to his victim and grabbed him from behind, will walk free out of HMP Durham on Monday.

Bradley Marshall was wearing a balaclava when he drove up to the man, on Catecote Road in Hartlepool, on January 16. The 19-year-old's victim managed to shake himself out of his North Face coat and run - as Marshall stole his keys and mobile phone.

The man was so badly affected by the incident - he left Hartlepool. In a statement read out to Teesside Crown Court, the victim said he was "worried people would know I have spoken to the police" and he left town "to protect himself".

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"I've had to start my life again, where I don't know anyone," but the man added, "I feel like I can breathe again."

Marshall, of Kilmory Walk in Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to theft and assault. He has previous convictions for the same offences.

The court heard that Marshall was 18, had "taken tablets" and was intoxicated on the morning he drove up to his victim and grabbed him. His barrister, Stephen Constantine, told the court that Marshall had been taken into custody.

"He's been in the big boys' jail. Durham prison," Mr Constantine said. "He's found it a very unpleasant experience. He lost his nanna whilst in custody. He was not given permission to attend her funeral. He tells me he is not returning to jail."

Marshall's mum and step-dad listened from the public gallery, as Mr Constantine said that Marshall's family are supporting him and that his step-dad, "has a job for him in his roofing business'. "What you see is a young man who has sobered up and grown up," he added.

Judge Chris Smith asked Marshall's step-dad to give some details about the job. The step-dad, who is 29, told the court: "I've been in roofing all my life. I've got two vans. The job opportunity is there for Bradley. I wouldn't take him anywhere if he's taken tablets.

"Well, it's not safe if he's on a ladder," the judge replied. The judge told Marshall he was going to give him, "a chance".

Marshall was handed a community order. He will be electronically tagged for three-months and must remain at home under curfew between 8pm and 7am. He was ordered to attend 20 rehabilitation days.

"It'll break his mother's heart," the judge told the court, "if he breaches the community order and goes to prison. His bedroom will be empty again and his step-father will be down a labourer.

"He'll be out of Durham later today. Someone might go and collect him in a roofing van. He'll have to attend appointments with probation, but I've got a feeling his employer will give him the time off."

"If you screw up," the judge told Marshall, "you'd better bring your bag. And your mother can put your room on Airbnb."

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