A Penrith teenager wore a knuckleduster during a brutal group attack which involved punches and kicks to the head.
Carlisle Crown Court heard troubled flared as the victim left a Penrith youth group at 9.30pm on May 23 last year.
While walking home he encountered a group of four youths which included Harvey Zak Sadik, now 18 and then aged 17.
They asked if they could speak to the male. Members of the group believed he had previously threatened a female with a knife.
“When he asked why, he was punched in the face by Mr Sadik,” said prosecutor Tony Cornberg, who revealed that mobile phone footage captured the violence.
“He actually recalls being punched (first) by another male before seeing this defendant (Sadik) place a knuckleduster on to his hand.
“He then punched him with the weapon a number of times, causing him to fall to the floor.
“He remained on the floor. Although he tried to defend himself, he was unable to fight off the attackers. The others all take part in the attack.
“There were kicks and punches while he was on the ground.
“The defendant is described by witnesses as the main perpetrator, who is said to have delivered three or four powerful kicks to the top of (the victim’s) neck and head.”
His injuries were limited to swelling, bruising and soreness.
In an impact statement, the victim spoke of feeling increasingly anxious, suffering from panic attacks and added: “I never leave the house without someone with me.”
When arrested, Sadik, of Greystoke Park, Penrith, made no comment.
He later admitted charges of actual bodily harm assault and offensive weapon possession.
The court learned of Sadik’s violent and challenging upbringing, of the death of his father and, latterly, his alcohol use.
Defence lawyer Jeff Smith conceded the teen had committed a quite deplorable offence.
“There is very little explanation or justification for the assault,” added Mr Smith.
Judge Nicholas Barker suspended a 15-month custodial sentence for two years.
Having seen footage of the assault, Judge Barker told Sadik: “What it shows is a violent, forceful group attack; sustained. There are repeated blows.
“These blows continue to the point of kicks whilst he is prone and unresponsive on the ground. Fortunately his injuries were not so serious.”
Sadik must complete rehabilitation days, 150 hours’ unpaid work and a 90-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement which bans him from drinking.
Three Penrith teens aged under 18 have also admitted actual bodily harm assault. They are due to be sentenced at a future youth court hearing.
