A JUDGE has told two yobs who fist-bumped one another after knocking their victim unconscious in a brutal city centre attack they were "very close" to being put behind bars.
Will Sherlock and Rio King, aged 19 and 20, were involved in a fight with a third male in Head Street, Colchester, at about 3.28am in February 2022.
CCTV cameras showed the beginning of a fight, with Sherlock, of Fairhead Road South, and King, of Compton Road, punching and kicking their victim.
Leaving their victim on the floor, the two fist-bumped each other as they walked away from the scene.
The two admitted one charge each of affray at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court in October, and the two had been due to be sentenced in Ipswich Crown Court earlier this month, after indicating they wanted legal aid.
On Friday at Ipswich Crown Court the two young men received their sentence from Recorder Jeremy Benson KC.
Both Sherlock and King were handed suspended sentences, yet Mr Benson called it a “very close road”.
He said: “The courts take a serious view on violence in the streets and drunken violence.
“There was a substantial number of other people around which means there was a risk of a serious disturbance.
“You were arrested shortly after the event. During the interview, you gave no comment.
“You both pleaded guilty, and I give you full credit for that. Also, in the last year you have not gotten into any further trouble.
“There is hope of rehabilitation.”
Sherlock received a sentence of ten months in a young offender’s institution, suspended for two years.
Additionally, he will have to partake in a community programme for 40 sessions, and rehabilitation activities for 25 days.
Mr Benson also imposed an electronically monitored curfew on Sherlock, between 9pm and 5.30am lasting for four months, as well as a charge of £527 to be paid within three months.
King received a four month sentence, which has been suspended for two years.
He must completed 12 sessions of community activity and 20 days of rehabilitation activities, and a charge of £494 to be paid within 28 days.
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