Three men who left two victims unconscious in a Stoke street after a failed bike theft have been jailed for a combined 26 years. James Hopper, 35, John Martin, 32, and Adam Wright, 37, carried out the attack in Vale Street, Stoke, in August last year, causing serious injuries to both men.
Martin was captured on CCTV using bolt cutters to try and steal one of the victim's bikes, which was secured with two locks on Church Street. He managed to remove only one lock. When the victim and his friend returned to collect the bike, they asked to see CCTV footage from a nearby premises of the incident, which led them to identify Martin as the suspect.
Attack while on phone to police
The pair then spotted Martin whilst on the phone to Staffordshire Police. Martin, Hopper and Wright then kicked and stamped on both men, leaving them unconscious in the street, before fleeing with their wallets and phones. One of the men suffered a number of facial fractures, while the other suffered a bleed to the brain.
Officers arrived a short time later, before locating the suspects and arresting them. All three denied carrying out the attack. However, following a trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, all three men were found guilty of section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.
Additional convictions and sentences
Martin was also found guilty of section 18 attempted wounding with intent and admitted theft by finding. Wright further admitted handling stolen goods. Hopper was handed an 11-year extended sentence, Wright was handed a nine-year extended term, and Martin was jailed for six years.
Detective Constable Rose Smith, of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), who was the officer in the case, said: "This was a vicious and relentless attack on two victims who suffered serious injuries as a result of the assault and robbery. I am pleased those responsible have been handed significant jail terms."
