Police release images of youths who beat and robbed man of his bike in Dagenham park

Police have released the names and pictures of two youths who violently attacked a man in a park and stole his bike.

Connor Pittaway and Jack Lawrence, both 17, were sentenced at Barkingside Youth Court after they beat their 21-year-old victim to the ground before stealing his bike.

Lawrence, of Cannonsleigh Road, Dagenham, was sentenced to 12 months detention at a youth prison, having already served three, while Pittaway, of Dagenham Avenue, Dagenham, got a four month home curfew and a 12 month rehabilitation order.

According to investigating officer Det Con Jamie Humm the youths “would have been looking a prison sentence spanning years instead of months” had they been older.

The court heard how two youths began to pull their victim off his bike at Goresbrook Skate Park, Dagenham, in July.

After he resisted they set upon him and quickly overpowered him, continuing to punch and stamp on him despite his having given up the bike.

The whole incident was witnessed by a passerby who gave evidence to the court.

Serg James Browning of Parks Safer Neighbourhoods said: “The borough’s parks and green spaces are there for everyone to use and enjoy.

“The small minority of people who think it is okay to spoil the park experience for others can expect Police attention.”

Pittaway was also ordered to pay £200 in court costs and £130 to the victim.

They were both were found guilty of robbery by Magistrate Michael Oakley who passed sentence at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court earlier this month.