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Youth beaten up for his Xbox game
Two robbers who savagely beat a teenager in order to steal the video game he had just bought, have been remanded in custody and warned to expect jail sentences.
Their 18-year-old victim, Preston Crown Court heard, had just queued up to purchase the much anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV game for the Xbox 360 console which was released for sale at midnight in April this year.
Prosecutor Nicholas Kennedy said "two hoodies" were noticed hanging around outside the Blockbusters store in Northbrook Road, Leyland, at midnight.
As the teenager and a friend were walking away with their brand new games, which they bought for 40, the robbers struck.
Defendant Oliver Aindow suddenly jumped out and began to fiercely punch the teenager in the face.
Stunned and hurt, the youth stumbled backwards when co-defendant Marc Hughes joined in, also punching the defenceless victim.
Mr Kennedy said the teenager was kicked while on the ground and punched again in the face as the new game was ripped from his hands and the two attackers made off.
He suffered serious injuries including a jaw broken in two places and a fractured nose.
In a personal statement, the victim said he suffered great pain and needed an operation. He has been left anxious about going out following the robbery.
Mr Kennedy told the court that a female, who had been with the defendants earlier, came forward and gave police information.
She revealed to police that the robbery had been planned earlier that day when it was known of the midnight release of the much-anticipated game.
Hughes, 21, of Herbert Street and Aindow, 18, from Kingswood Road, both Leyland, each admitted a charge of robbery.
The court heard that Hughes told police he had sold the stolen game for 20.
Judge Beverley Lunt said she was considering whether the defendants represented a danger to the public.
She remanded both in custody and warned them that jail sentences were certain when they returned.
Both will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on July 14.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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