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Daily Record
Daily Record
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Georgia Banks & Chloe Burrell

Gang of thugs stripped man naked and slashed him with machetes over missing £80

A gang of thugs stripped a man naked before slashing him with machetes over a missing £80, a court heard.

Teenager Jamie Smith appeared at court to be sentenced for his part in the gang attack. He was charged with wounding with intent and also possession of cannabis.

Teesside Crown Court heard that the incident took place on October 14, 2020, when the defendant was aged just 17, Teesside Live reports.

His victim awoke in his bed to the youngster checking his pockets and accusing him of stealing £80.

The defendant then went upstairs before coming down with three other males.

Prosecutor Emma Atkinson said: "He was carrying a long machete and a meat cleaver. He then walked down the side of the bed towards the victim and the third male hopped onto the bed and climbed on top of him pinning him down and screaming in his face to take his clothes off. The third male then helped him remove his clothes leaving him fully naked on the bed."

The defendant passed the meat cleaver to another male and was told to start giving the victim 'a dig'.

Ms Atkinson said: "He swung the machete making contact with his right calf causing immediate pain. The first male who had a machete too started swinging it aiming at his left leg. He was crying out in pain."

The court heard the youngster said 'we want £500 by the end of the day off you or else' and the ordeal only stopped when the gang heard police sirens. The victim was left with numerous injuries including lacerations to his palm, arms, legs, fingers and toes.

In a victim impact statement the court heard the man was forced to use a metal frame when walking and has been left feeling vulnerable and unable to sleep. He suffers flashbacks and pain in his left leg and foot.

Following the attack, Smith was arrested and police found cannabis in his bag. In interviews he mostly answered no comment and only admitted the offence on the day of trial. The court heard Smith has seven convictions for 13 offences.

In mitigation, Richard Brigden, said there was no suggestion the victim's injuries were permanent. He told the court the defendant is a 'young man with developing maturity' and accepts his part in the offending.

He said: "The man you have before you now is 19 and has been remanded since he was 17. He appears to be on a journey of maturity.

"At the time of the offending he was relatively immature and influenced by others. There is some hope for him."

Judge Timothy Stead sentenced Smith, to three years in a young offender instruction. The teenager of Poplar Road, Thornaby, was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge.

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