Oldham teenagers sentenced for attack that left 17 year-old brain damaged
Two teenagers from Oldham have been sentenced for an attack which left a 17-year-old boy with brain damage. A 14-year-old boy, from Oldham, has been sentenced to six years detention at Minshull Street Crown Court today after pleading guilty to Section 18 Grievous Bodily Harm. A 16-year-old boy, also from Oldham, was also sentenced to seven and half years detention after pleading guilty to one count of Section 18 Grievous Bodily Harm and one count of attempted Section 18 assault. Both of the boys cannot be named for legal reasons. The court heard how the victims – both aged just 14 and 17 at the time – were walking along Denmark Street in Chadderton about 5.45pm on 15 February 2016 when the attackers began talking to them. A verbal altercation took place and the duo then carried out a violent attack on both the boys including taking it in turns to stamp on the 17-year-old boy’s head whilst he lay unconscious on the floor. The pair then walked away leaving him lying in a pool of blood. The 14 year-old suffered bruising but the 17-year-old still remains in hospital with life-changing injuries - seven months after the attack. An investigation was launched by GMP which resulted in the two teenagers being arrested and subsequently charged. Detective Inspector Rocque Fernandes, from GM’s Major Incident Team, said: “This was an abhorrent attack on two innocent boys who were simply walking down the street. “The violence these teenagers used was incomprehensible and has resulted in a young lad remaining in hospital with life-changing injuries. “Attacks like these do not just cause physical injuries to the victims but leave the families to deal with the devastating consequences. “Thankfully attacks of this nature are rare and I would like to thank the quick-thinking actions of GMP officers which helped secure these convictions. “We continue to send our thoughts to the victims and their families.”