Boys sentenced for attack on homeless man (From Warrington Guardian)

Boys sentenced for attack on homeless man

7:48am Tuesday 17th November 2009

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TWO teenage boys from Warrington admitted kicking and punching a “vulnerable” homeless man.

The friends, aged 16 and 17, pleaded guilty to assaulting Sarhane Koriba, known as Sammy, on Rylands Street on October 19.

On Thursday magistrates heard how the 16-year-old boy approached Mr Koriba and pushed him, causing him to fall to the ground where he was punched and kicked.

The second youngster saw this incident and admitted he waded in without ascertaining what was happening and why. He also hit the victim and afterwards the boys ran away from the scene and were later arrested.

The first boy, who had recently been the victim of an assault, said he thought Mr Koriba had been staring at him, making him uncomfortable. It was at this point that the attack began.

Talking about his 16-year-old client, defending solicitor, Mr Howard, said: “He is a nice, articulate young man. He did admit he impulsively punched Mr Koriba because he felt threatened by him.

“He complied with police and admitted the offence on arrest. He is sorry and ashamed for what he did.”

The teenager added: “I don’t know why I did it. I was the victim of an assault based on mistaken identity and I felt intimidated when I thought I saw a man watching me.”

His mum said: “At home he’s a good lad and this was a complete shock.”

The magistrates said: “You attacked a vulnerable victim, a man without a home or anybody to support him or care for him and although you may have felt there was some provocation I think we’re getting tired of hearing that “someone was looking at me funny”.

“You attacked with repeated blows and kicks, which is very serious.”

The boys were sentenced to a 12-month referral order, consisting of a good behaviour contract and regular meetings with a panel. They were also asked to pay £85 towards court costs.

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