Group sentenced after fight left two men seriously injured

Patrick Connors, 20, Lawrence Connors, 19, Lee Payne, 19, and the 17-year-old boy, got into an argument with a man in his 30s in Oundle Road, Woodston near the Yard of Ale pub - which was closed at the time - at about 10.30pm on 26 May last year.

The group attacked and punched him, knocking him to the ground unconscious.

A bystander intervened but the group turned on him and punched him so hard they fractured his cheek bone.

When police arrived the group had left, but after studying CCTV footage officers were able to identify all four involved and later arrested them.

The four all pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and were sentenced on Friday (7 May) at Peterborough Crown Court.

Patrick Connors, of Palmerston Road, Peterborough, was sentenced to 10 months in a young offenders’ institute, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Lawrence Connors, also of Palmerston Road, Peterborough, was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 15 months, and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work.

Payne, of Leighton, Orton Malbourne, Peterborough, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will be sentenced at youth court on a future date.

Detective Constable Chris McCormack, who investigated, said: “This was a dreadful incident, which could easily have had more serious consequences.

“The victims both sustained terrible injuries, which still haven’t fully healed.

“We are committed to doing all we can to bring violent offenders before the courts and secure justice for their victims.”