Cowardly thugs brought to justice

A PAIR of teenage thugs from Limeside who launched an unprovoked attack on a man in the street have been sentenced.

Mark McNamara (17) of Farm Road, and Jordan Fitzpatrick (18) of Higher Lime Road, both pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square to causing grievous bodily harm and possessing offensive weapons.

On June 12 their 36-year-old victim started talking to the pair in Lime Green Road, Limeside.

After a short time, they started arguing and McNamara pulled out a screwdriver and his accomplice pulled out a lock knife.

The pair then attacked the man, slashing his arm.

The victim ran to his car. Police were called and arrested Fitzpatrick and McNamara.

McNamara was yesterday sentenced to a total of 12 months detention and training.

He was also given a five-year Asbo, which will ban him from entering Limeside.

Fitzpatrick was sentenced to a total of 51 weeks detention, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to undertake an 18-month training programme and must do 150 hours unpaid work.

PC Andy Pickering, of the Hollinwood and Limeside neighbourhood police team, said: “McNamara and Fitzpatrick behaved like cowards on the day they attacked their victim.

“Fortunately he was not seriously hurt, but I’m sure that frightening experience will stay with him for a very long time.

“For someone so young, McNamara has a very long criminal record for a host of offences, including burglary and breaching Asbos.

“The custodial sentence he’s received today has served to remove a prolific offender from the streets of Limeside and Hollinwood.

“I also hope it sends a strong message of deterrence to others who might be tempted to behave in a yobbish manner that knife crime and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.

“There’s only one place for you if you decide to lash out at people with a weapon and that is behind bars.”