Trainee in vicious attack detained for public protection

Sentencing Luke Brown, 20, at Leeds Crown Court yesterday, Judge Sally Cahill QC said he had told police he only stopped kicking his 21-year-old victim when he was unconscious and not responding.

The effect on that young man had been “absolutely dreadful.” He had to be kept in a hospital induced coma for some time to allow the swelling and pressure on his brain to subside.

Weeks later in January he was still in hospital, only able to walk short distances, needed constant care and supervision and was unlikely to be able to live independently.

Brown, of Kepston Close, Leeds admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent on October 15 and was ordered to be detained for public protection.

After the court heard he was on licence at the time from an earlier sentence for violence the judge told him he must serve a minimum of five years in custody and warned him he would only be released when no longer considered dangerous by the Parole Board.

Shamaila Qureshi prosecuting said Brown and others had been at an impromptu party at an address in Bramley, Leeds. After they left the occupant of the property rang one of Brown’s friends and accused him of causing some damage before he left.

He made threats of retribution which caused Brown’s friend to decide to return and sort the matter out. Brown went with him in a taxi and when he saw the occupant involved in a fight with his friend and the 21-year-old approached as well he went over and punched him.

James Keeley for Brown said he accepted the kicking then went “far,far,far over the top.” He was ashamed and sickened by his actions.