Teen torturer 'ashamed'

Horrific burns found on the victim.

A TEENAGER involved in a campaign of violence, abuse, intimidation and humiliation against a vulnerable Oldham schoolboy, has accepted that what happened was "truly horrendous".

The youth, one of five involved, has made it clear there was no excuse or justification for the ordeal their victim was put through.

Elyas Patel, representing the teenager - who like the others cannot be named for legal reasons - told Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court his client told him: "None of it was his fault. He deserves nothing but complete and unqualified sympathy."

Mr Patel said: "He bitterly regrets his role and accepts that in his case, the only question is 'how long?'"

Judge Timothy Mort, who was due to sentence all five yesterday, has now adjourned the hearing until next month in order to assess whether the 17-year old ringleader of the group should be classed a danger to the public.

Four of the accused admitted a number of charges, but one denied any involvement in the violence. He was convicted after a trial in April. The jury heard what started as bullying escalated, with the 15-year-old victim being effectively kidnapped and tortured on October 5 last year.

He was taken under threat to the home of one of the five youths in Oldham, where he was punched and kicked repeatedly before being stripped and having his mouth, hands and feet taped up.

His back and chest were cut with a knife, he was 'branded' up to eight times with an iron, then had salt and lemon juice rubbed into the wounds to intensify his pain as his tormentors laughed at him.

He also had disinfectant poured over him and was subjected to a humiliating sex act.

The court had been told that the victim had simply wanted to be accepted by the group as one of them, and even after his treatment at their hands, at first kept quiet about what had happened.

Matthew Sharratt representing the youth convicted after trial, told the court: "This was a horrific incident, and the worst example of peer pressure. None of these boys would have done it on their own."

He said his client had found it impossible to draw back once the lie had been told, and his father had refused to accept his own son could do something so bad.

Balraj Batia, for another of the group, said he now recognised how appallingly he had behaved.

The youth, described as polite, well mannered, and respectful, is said to feel remorse and shame. He wrote: "I pray to God every day asking for help and guidance."

Four of the youths have been warned they can expect custody when sentenced on July 7.