A Blackburn man has been convicted of a "mindless and futile" assault which left a 15 year old boy fighting for his life.
Kieran Chatburn was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent by a jury at Preston Crown Court .
The jury could not agree a verdict in respect of Stuart Hartley, 25, of St Thomas Street, Blackburn, and has now discharged by the judge.
Just after 10pm on Thursday 30 October 2008 Gino Hargreaves, who is now 16 years old, was walking home after spending the evening with friends in his home town of Blackburn.
Around 10.20pm a witness in the Hancock Street area heard the sound of somebody being ‘beaten up’.
When they looked out of their window they saw Gino lying motionless in Coleridge Street, with his legs in the roadway and his body resting on the pavement.
The witness also saw two men stood nearby. One was walking away, whilst the other one began to walk away, before turning round and delivering a blow to Gino’s head with his hand before kicking him in the side of his head, as he lay there defenceless.
The witness immediately contacted the emergency services as the two men walked away across Hancock Street and out of sight.
Coincidentally, minutes later, two plain clothes police officers on patrol in the area found Gino still lying in the same position. They also called for an ambulance whilst attempting to look after him as best they could.
Although Gino initially refused to be taken to hospital, his condition deteriorated and he was then taken by ambulance to the Royal Blackburn Hospital.
A scan revealed serious, life threatening head injuries, including intra-cranial bleeding and a possible fractured skull.
He was immediately transferred to Hope Hospital in Salford, where he underwent emergency neuro-surgery to remove the blood clot from his brain.
Gino spent a number of weeks in hospital and whilst he is now back at home, he is still suffering the consequences of the attack.
Chatburn, 30, of Hamlet Close will be sentenced on Tuesday 30 July 2009 at Preston Crown Court.
Detective Inspector Pete Broome, from the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “I am pleased with today’s verdict, not only for the investigation team, but for Gino and his family.
“This was an appalling and senseless attack on a defenceless young man who sustained life-threatening injuries. It was completely unprovoked and to this day no real motive has been offered for this mindless assault, making it all the more futile.
“Gino has shown immense courage and determination throughout this investigation and I would like to pay tribute to his strength of character. I would also like to thank Gino’s family for assisting us in this investigation. I now hope that Gino and his family can move forward with their lives.
“Lancashire Constabulary is doing all it can to tackle serious and violent crime and anybody who thinks this type of behaviour is acceptable should be warned that it won’t be tolerated and you will be brought to justice.”
The prosecution has been given until Monday 15 June 2009 to decide whether to seek a retrial against Hartley.
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