Powys teen jailed for 'cowardly' attack during night out

Troy Manuel, 19, was ordered to serve nine months in a young offender’s institute by Judge Rhys Rowlands at Mold Crown Court on Thursday, May 30, for his assault on Jack Evans on April 13.

Judge Rowlands described Manuel’s actions as “serious, sustained, drunken street violence”, which occurred on Berriew Street after words had been exchanged between the two men earlier in the evening.

Prosecutor Denise Fitzpatrick said Manuel, of Criggion Lane, Trewern, had originally been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent on May 17, with Ms Fitzpatrick adding he admitted guilt on the basis he had used excessive self-defence, which she said the Crown Prosecution Service accepted.

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“Troy Manuel and Jack Evans were both out socialising in Welshpool, with different people,” said Ms Fitzpatrick.

“There was a chance meeting in a public house and words were exchanged. Mr Evans went to a different pub with his family and later in the night, words were again exchanged with Troy Manuel.

“Both men had been drinking. Jack Evans walked towards the defendant and Troy Manuel began punching him.

“The incident was captured on CCTV. In the footage, Mr Evans walks over to Troy Manuel, who then punches him numerous times to the floor and kicks him.”

Footage was played in court, which showed Manuel inflicting a number of blows on Mr Evans, including at least two kicks while he was on the floor.

“There is a basis of plea in which the defendant accepts he acted in excessive self-defence,” added Ms Fitzpatrick.

“He said Jack Evans had been threatening towards him and his brother. He said Jack Evans said to him ‘you’re having it’ and he believed he was going to hit him.

“Mr Evans suffered a wound to the forehead and bruising around his eye. He no longer supports the prosecution. He does not seek compensation or a restraining order.”

Jemma Gordon, representing Manuel, said: “I can’t get away from the fact of this being a very serious offence. The CCTV footage is not nice viewing.

“He was subject to a community order at the time. I’d ask your honour to note his age and background, including his childhood and upbringing.

“He sustained abuse by his father and he leads a chaotic lifestyle, one involving a culture encouraging this kind of behaviour. It provides an explanation for why he’s acted in the way he has.

“The risk of this happening increases when alcohol or drugs are consumed. You may be able to allow him one last chance to engage with probation and receive intervention.”

Manuel was sentenced to the community order by magistrates in Welshpool in February, after he was found in possession of a bladed article. That case had involved the teen sending menacing Snapchat images of him holding a meat cleaver to another teen.

“He has not been doing particularly well on that order,” added Ms Gordon.

“There has been breach action. Since then, his attendance has improved. Probation are of the view he is someone they can still work and engage with.

“He is not a lost cause.”

She said Manuel’s younger brother took an overdose recently and he’s been caring for him.

Judge Rowlands told Manuel: “You acted in an extraordinarily violent way. There were punches, kicks and what looks like a stamp. It was cowardly and resulted in serious injury.

“Mr Evans suffered a large open wound to his forehead, significant swelling and his head was covered in blood.

“You were prepared to use your feet. It was only by sheer good fortune and nothing else that the victim didn’t sustain even more serious injuries.

“This was serious, sustained drunken street violence which had serious consequences. I’m not of the view that there are any realistic prospects of rehabilitation.”

He jailed Manuel for 33 weeks for the assault, saying he would serve the time in a young offender’s institute. Judge Rowlands also revoked the community order and added three more weeks, to be served consecutively.