SWANLEY: Violent train yobs jailed

Violent train yobs jailed

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TWO youths who attacked four train passengers, leaving one with a broken jaw and another with a fractured nose, have been caged.

Luke Freeman-Roach, 16, of Weighton Road, Penge and Darrell Steer, 18 of Ladds Way, Swanley admitted robbery charges and one count of causing grievous bodily harm.

Freeman-Roach was sent down for three years and Steer, who had a previous conviction for robbery, was jailed for four years at Croydon Crown Court on Monday.

Prosecuting, Jane Warren said the duo approached Neil Friday on a train near Longfield on March 21 while he was listening to his stereo unit. One of them snatched his mobile phone. Mr Friday tried to grab it back and he was head-butted in the face. One of the youths said he wanted his wallet and Mr Friday was told he would be stabbed if he didn't hand it over. Another passenger, Alan Rowland, was threatened that he would be stabbed and was asked: "Have you got any money?'

Mr Rowland said no, and Steer felt his pocket, saying: I've got a knife and I'll stab you; I'll do it right now."

Steer took his victim's mobile.

"Another group came down the aisle and asked Steer what he was doing. He replied: 'We're robbing a few people."

When the train stopped Mr Friday followed the youths in a vain bid to get his wallet and mobile back.

He was later taken to hospital where it was found he had a broken nose and two damaged teeth.

Two hours later two young men who had just got off a train at Shortlands station were followed and one of them, Keith Dickson, 19, was punched and kicked while on the ground.

His cheekbone was broken.

His friend, 18 year-old Jack Dempsey was also robbed and the attackers claimed they had a gun.

Liam Pepper, defending, handed a personal letter to the judge from Freeman-Roach which stated: "I am very sorry for what I have done."

For Steer, Harry Potter said that although threats were made about a knife and a gun, neither weapon was ever produced.