A 14-year-old Isle of Wight boy has been sentenced after admitting a series of offences, including a violent attack on a pensioner who had challenged youths over the vandalisation of a war memorial.
The child, who can’t be named for legal reasons appeared at the Isle of Wight Youth Court this morning (Wednesday) where he entered guilty pleas to 2 counts of criminal damage, 2 counts of assault by beating and 2 counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The offences took place between 6th February and 25th March.
Crown Prosecutor Leah Dillon told the court that on 13th March, the child assaulted another young person in Cowes, causing injuries including bruised ribs and delayed concussion.
The court heard that the incidents had significantly impacted the victim’s wellbeing, leaving them anxious and frightened when out in public.
The most serious offence occurred on 25th March when, as previously reported by Island Echo, police were called to an incident involving a group of youths and an elderly man in Northwood Park.
The victim had been walking his 2 dogs when he saw a group of teenagers vandalising a war memorial within Northwood Cemetery. After questioning the group, he was called a “f**king w*nker” and asked “who do you think you are” by the defendant.
A physical altercation followed, during which the victim attempted to kick the 14-year-old away but fell to the ground.
Whilst he was on the floor, the defendant kicked him several times in the torso and chest. The “shod kicks”, as they were described in court, caused bruising to his ribs and damage to cartilage in the area.
A short time later, as the victim walked towards his home, the teenager attacked him again, punching him in the face and causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness.
The court heard that the assault left the pensioner “incoherent” and “babbling”. Some 5 months later, he continues to suffer the effects of the attack and struggles to leave his home to carry out everyday tasks, including shopping, because of ongoing pain.
The teenager also admitted causing criminal damage to property in East Cowes on 9th and 10th March, as well as assaulting another victim during the same month.
Defending, Oscar Vincent told Magistrates that the child voluntarily attended a police interview and has since engaged with the Youth Justice Service, including the Young Futures Project and Turnaround Programme.
Addressing Magistrates himself, the 14-year-old said “I have found out who my real friends are.”
His mother told the court that the incidents and subsequent sharing of footage on social media had left him ashamed and struggling to reintegrate.
Magistrates imposed a 12-month referral order, with restorative justice work to include writing letters of explanation to the victims. His mother was also ordered to pay a total of £150 in compensation.
To carry out such an inhumane act is unforgivable
and such persons will always pose a risk in society.