Violent teenager who attacked two men is jailed

Connor Graham, who was only 17 at the time, robbed a 26-year-old man of his mobile phone near St Martin’s Parish Church before carrying out a second assault on a 39-year-old man in High Street.

Bradford Crown Court heard today(Friday) how during the second incident Graham, now 18, even encouraged another attacker to “have a go” at their victim Mark Binns after the complainant had already been kicked on the ground.

Prosecutor Robert Galley said the attackers took no notice of Mr Binns’ pleas for them to stop and when Graham was later arrested blood from the victim was found on his shoes and clothing.

During the first attack Graham had stolen £3.40 in cash, a mobile phone and his victim’s rucksack.

Both of the attacks took place on May 26 last year and Judge David Hatton QC was told that Mr Binns had been left feeling fearful about going out following the assault on him.

Graham, of Crag Road, Windhill, Shipley, admitted charges of robbery, assault, theft and handling stolen goods and was sent to a young offenders institution.

Judge Hatton said that Graham’s previous convictions showed him to have a “violent history”.

“You are quite clearly in my judgement a violent young man and your behaviour on that night reveals that,” the judge told him.

Barrister Abigail Langford, for Graham, said he had problems with excessive drinking and had been living in a hostel environment after being in care.