Teen thug attacked victim with a bottle on night out in Wakefield

Kieran Forlow was caught on CCTV attacking a male with an accomplice on Westgate after a night of drinking, striking the victim with a bottle, then emptying the contents and throwing it at close range at the victim's head.

The 19-year-old admitted a charge of malicious wounding with an intent to cause grievous bodily harm at Leeds Crown Court this week.

Prosecuting, Bashir Ahmed played footage of the incident, which took place in the early hours of Sunday, February 23, to the court.

It showed the victim, who had also been out drinking, talking to two females on Westgate close to the Rooster King takeaway.

The footage showed one of the female's push the victim away before he was approached by Forlow and another unidentified male, who threw the first punch.

Forlow is then seen striking the victim's head with the bottle, which left a 2.5-to-3cm laceration above his eyebrow.

The unidentified male then continued to 'grapple' with the victim while Forlow is shown casually emptying the bottle and "chooses his moment" to throw it at the victim's head from close range.

It strikes his head and hits a wall before smashing.

Afterwards the defendant is seen hugging the females the victim had been talking with "like he was being congratulated," added Mr Ahmed.

The victim required hospital treatment for the wound and after being arrested, Forlow, of Spa Grove, Wakefield, gave a 'no comment' interview to police.

In an impact statement read out in court, the victim said he has been left with permanent scar and is now fearful of socialising in the city.

No indication was given by the victim or the defendant as to why the fight broke out.

Mitigating for Forlow, Caroline Abraham said he was of previous good character and the attack had been an isolated incident.

She said that he had also diagnosed from ADHD and Asperger syndrome, and was remorseful for his actions.

Judge Simon Batiste told Forlow: "It's difficult to know exactly why you got so upset but clearly there was a disagreement with the victim and a female you were associated with.

"You speak with the female, the victim is pointed out and you and an unknown male approach him intent on violence.

"Clearly you suffer with mental health issues, you were of good character and I accept in the cold light of day you have genuine remorse.

"You were clearly in drink, you used a weapon and it was in a public place late at night."

Jailing Forlow for three years Judge Batiste added: "It gives me no pleasure to lock you up, a young man never in trouble before, but a message must go out."