A 16-year-old youth was left with a broken nose after he was kicked in the face by eight attackers, a court heard.

He was attacked after he was given a "slap" by David Burgess - who believed he had stolen money from his little brother.

Burgess, 19, of Plumleys, Basildon, earlier pleaded guilty to common assault.He was given 12 months' probation by Basildon magistrates and told to pay £50 compensation to the victim.

His solicitor Mark Pearson said Burgess's "slap" occurred after his brother claimed the victim had stolen money from him. Burgess approached the 16-year-old at Felmores, Pitsea, and demanded the money.

When told the victim didn't have it, Burgess lost his temper and gave him a "slap" in the face.

Eight youths then launched an unprovoked attack on the victim, knocking him down and kicking him in the face, breaking his nose.

Mr Pearson stressed his client had nothing to do with this attack. He said: "His plea is on the basis of one slap."

Burgess was told by Angela Quirk, bench chairwoman: "We do note your early guilty plea but we are being told all the time to treat this sort of violence very seriously. These sort of crimes are unacceptable."

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