A teenager who was punched '35 times' as he waited for an Uber home feared he'd be killed over a bag. The 18-year-old was battered and robbed of a £300 Burberry bag after being approached by three men on Portland Street near Piccadilly Gardens.
He was with a friend, also 18, as they waited for a taxi when Latif Sanyang, Ryan Speed and an unknown third man walked over to them, Manchester Crown Court heard. Originally they appeared friendly, and talked about football.
The unknown man then put his hand around the victim's shoulder and offered him cocaine, which he refused. He then commented on the victim's Burberry bag, saying it was nice before asking how much it cost.
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The teenager was the wrestled into a headlock and Sanyang, 23, began pummelling him in the face, prosecutor David Lees said. His friend claimed Sanyang punched him about '35 times'.
"Even if it was fewer than that, it was a very significant number indeed," Judge Alan Conrad KC said. As his friend tried to intervene, Speed, 27, threatened him by lifting up his tracksuit top to reveal a knife.
While the attackers continued, the unknown offender said of the Burberry bag: "Just stab him, we'll take it." He gave up the bag and sought help from a nearby police officer.
The victim suffered graphic injuries, including cuts to his face, swelling, loose teeth and a black eye. He went to hospital and a scan revealed he had not broken any bones.
His ordeal has also left him with psychological trauma and anxiety about going out. "My mother has been absolutely heartbroken and devastated by the robbery, I am the youngest child and now she worries about me going out," he said in a statement read to the court.
"She felt it was her fault for some reason, and couldn't look at me. Personally, I now longer go anywhere near Piccadilly Gardens at all.
"I am hesitant about going out these days, and don't trust any lads who seem friendly. I thought I would be killed over a bag and was extremely scared at the time.
"I haven't felt right since and feel down." Both Speed and Sanyang were declared 'dangerous' offenders and handed extended sentences for public protection.
Both will serve at least two-thirds of a six year jail term, before they can be considered for release by the Parole Board. They were also handed an extra three years on licence.
Their lawyers said both men had endured difficult childhoods but were showing a willingness to change. Sanyang said he didn't know that Speed had a knife.
Sanyang, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to robbery and two counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order. Speed, of Crispin Road, Wythenshawe, pleaded guilty to robbery, theft and fraud.
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