Mugger locked up for four years

A mugger has been locked up for nearly four years after battering a Christmas reveller on his way home in Stafford.

A gang of three attacked the 24-year-old victim, kicking him in the face and robbing him of cash and his mobile phone.

Lee Haughton was punched to the ground and kicked as he lay on the floor, Stafford Crown Court heard yesterday. Even after getting up and trying to get away he was set upon again, in Weston Road, said Mr Paul Spratt, prosecuting.

One of the muggers, a 16-year-old, kicked Mr Haughton in the face and police later found blood on his trainers.

Mr Haughton felt people going through his pockets and the next day he found his mobile phone, his wallet and £20 in cash had gone.

The gang's ringleader, Marc Goater, was arrested because he sold the victim's phone the next day for £70.

Goater, 20, of Marston Road Stafford was sent to youth custody for a total of 46 months after admitting robbery and a separate offence of affray.

Judge Paul Glenn said Goater was probably the leader of the robbers and described him as "cocky and obnoxious" when he was arrested.

The 16-year-old from Stafford, who cannot be named, was sentenced to two years detention after admitting robbery.

A third robber, a 17-year-old also from Stafford was made subject to a youth referral order with a six-month curfew and 240 hours of unpaid community work. The judge said the 17-year-old was not the instigator.

Mr Spratt told the court that Mr Haughton was set upon as he returned home from a Christmas party on December 5 last year.

A gang of about six youths prevented him from passing by. He didn't get very far before he was set upon again. His injuries included a chipped tooth and marks all over his body.

The court heard that Goater had a string of previous convictions for violence, including robbery.

Mr Mark Nicholls, for Goater, said his client did express some remorse.