Gang-attack boy, aged 14, may face spell behind bars

5:10am Thursday 28th August 2008

A BOY who was part of a large gang that attacked two Mormon missionaries last year has been warned he could face a spell behind bars.

The 14-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given a 12-month youth referral order in January for his part in the brutal attack in October, 2007.

He appeared at Bolton Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with breaching the order.

A youth referral order requires offenders to report to a youth offending team at regular intervals and also sign a good behaviour contract.

The court was told the boy did not attend a youth offender panel meeting on August 6 and that he had also failed to comply with the terms of his behaviour contract.

He pleaded guilty and magistrates told him he would face time in a young offenders’ institute if he failed to comply with the order again.

The two Mormons were attacked by 14 youths on the evening of Friday, October 12, last year as they walked along Raglan Street in Halliwell.

Sebastian Herrey, aged 21, and Brandon Woolsey, aged 19, were walking past the cemetery in Astley Lane when the youths commented that they were wearing suits and began shouting abuse.

The men spoke with the group and explained who they were.

They thought trouble had been averted, but seconds later a bottle was thrown at them, which hit Mr Herrey on the head from behind. Both men were then punched and kicked. Mr Herrey suffered a suspected fractured jaw and a gashed forehead, while Mr Woolsey was left with a black eye, cut lip and bruising.

The men were both on a two-year placement in the town, working as missionaries with the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.