The court heard how the victim was also ‘repeatedly stamped on’ by one of the assailants
Two Belfast men who carried out a street robbery in the early hours of last Christmas Eve were jailed today (Wednesday).
Dean Byers (28) from Helens Wood and 38-year old Jonathan Gordon from Victoria Parade admitted charges of robbery and affray.
The pair appeared at Belfast Crown Court where they each received a sentence of 32 months.
Whilst Gordon’s term was divided equally between prison and licence, Byers will spend 12 months in custody followed by 20 months on licence.
The court heard that in the early hours of December 24 last year, the injured party was approached on Queen Street in Belfast by Byers and Gordon.
After grabbing hold of the injured party, the pair assaulted him and forced him backwards onto a bus stop.
As the assault continued, the injured party was punched repeatedly and knocked to the ground.
Byers and Gordon both rifled through their victim’s clothing and as Gordon continued this action, Byers repeatedly stamped on him.
Following this, the pair walked off in the direction of Castle Street.
Police arrived at the scene a short time later and after speaking with the injured party, he named Byers and Gordon as the assailants.
He also told police his iPhone and wallet had been stolen and did not provide any further statements.
Officers promptly located and detained Byers and Gordon and the stolen iPhone was found in Gordon’s coat.
During an interview with police, Byers refused to answer any questions and remained silent.
Gordon, during his interview, said the injured party had given him his phone to hold on to and denied any involvement in an assault.
Despite this, both men later pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and affray.
Judge Chasemore said that whilst the street robbery was “spontaneous rather than planned”, it involved “prolonged violence”.
Saying both men have “substantial previous convictions”, she said she had taken into account defence submissions made on their behalf.
Regarding Byers, the Judge spoke of his “difficult background” and “lack of stability” at the time of his offending.
She noted the progress he is making whilst on remand including accessing help for addictions and the remorse he expressed to Probation about his actions last December.
Turning to Gordon, it emerged that he began drinking aged 12, developed a drugs habit and whilst on remand has received warnings and adverse reports.
Judge Chasemore revealed that despite having no memory of the offences, Gordon has expressed disgust at the thought of what he did and that she accepted he was remorseful.
Saying she was “mindful of the difficult backgrounds both defendants had” coupled with addiction issues linked to their offending, Judge Chasemore also spoke of the violence used which included stamps to the victim’s head.
After imposing the sentences, the Judge said she was reducing Byers period in custody due to the progress he has made whilst on remand.
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