Street thugs await to hear fate after unprovoked attack

STREET thugs who were caught on CCTV launching an unprovoked attack on two friends must wait until next month to hear their fate.

The victims, aged 20, were punched and kicked outside Sam's Chicken shop, in Field End Road, Eastcote, while waiting for a taxi home.

They had earlier enjoyed a peaceful night out at The Manor pub across the street when confronted by the group at 1.30am on March 7.

Lee Luke, 24, of Trevor Crescent, Ruislip, Eric Thomson, 19, of Mahlon Avenue, Ruislip, Jabey Bathurst, 21, of Brook Close, Ruislip, and Rikki Floyd, 21, from Northolt, all pleaded guilty to causing an affray.

They were due to be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday (6), but it had to be adjourned until December 4 because probation reports had not been prepared.

Floyd also pleaded guilty to assaulting Thomas Byrne, who was with his friend Leandros Liasides when attacked by the group.

James O'Connell, prosecuting, told the court: "This was an unprovoked attack outside a bar late at night.

"All of these defendants were involved in attacking the two complainants and the prosecution say the instigator was Thomson, who was seen throwing the first punch and starting the incident off."

Judge Anna Guggenheim QC was shown CCTV footage captured by a Hillingdon Council camera and was told police are seeking ASBO's against all four.

Mr Byrne suffered bruising to his left eye, cheek and nose, plus swelling to his jaw and a cut lip. He continued suffering headaches for some time afterwards.

Mr Liasides suffered fractured teeth, which requires ongoing dentistry, plus bruising and a cut lip.

Thomson will also be sentenced on an unrelated charge of converting criminal property and the absent Luke, due to also be sentenced for burglary, had a warrant issued for his arrest.