Teen robber avoids prison term after finding religion

[dutchman]

A teenager from Exhall who viciously assaulted a student in a bungled robbery has avoided a prison sentence after finding God.

A judge gave 19-year-old John Murray a second chance after hearing he had turned to religion while he was remanded in custody.

Murray, of Tregorrick Road, Exhall, has been visiting the chaplain in Glen Parva young offenders institution in Leicestershire and has been working with staff to tackle his demons.

And - despite facing a potential prison sentence of up to seven years for the attack - Recorder Edward Hess chose to give Murray, who clutched a crucifix necklace during the hearing at Coventry Crown Court, another chance.

He gave him a two year community order instead.

Murray had been remanded in custody in November after he was arrested for assaulting a student with intent to rob outside Bar 54 in Coventry University’s Student Union building in Jordan Well.

He had drunk two bottles of vodka and smoked £50 of cannabis before the attack.

Prosecuting, Rhydian James, said that Murray was part of a large gang before he approached two students at 9.30pm on November 3.

“The defendant told the first student to give him his phone,” Mr James said.

“The student put his phone in his pocket but the defendant became aggressive. He asked again and that scared the student who walked away.

“The defendant then approached the second student and said give me your wallet and your mobile phone. He then clenched his right fist and punched the second student in the face. He punched him so hard he was knocked off his feet.”

The student suffered a swollen eye and a cut tongue in the attack, but no lasting damage. A nearby PCSO saw the attack and radioed police for assistance.

In interview Murray told police he apologised for the attack, but he couldn’t remember what had happened because he had drank two bottles of vodka and smoked £50 of cannabis earlier that evening.

He pleaded guilty to the offence.

For the defence Shabeen Ahktar said that Murray’s grandad – described as his best friend – had been seriously ill at the time.

He has since died. The mother of his daughter was also refusing him access to her at the time and Murray had stopped taking medication for depression, the court was told.

Miss Ahktar added: “This was something that was completely out of character. Having spoken to him it is clear that this is a young man who is genuinely remorseful.

“He broke down in tears when he was reminded of how his victim suffered.”

Murray was given a two year order. He will be tagged for three months and attend a thinking skills course.