You Spelled 'Scummy Thugs' Wrong...

A commuter who stuck up for a woman after a plastic bottle was thrown at her on a train was set upon by a large group of...

Wait for it, wait for it... 

...college students.

*blinks* 

Mark Hosker was brutally punched and kicked by around nine teenagers on the platform of Nelson station after he had asked them to ‘stop being childish’ while on the train, which he had boarded in Blackburn.

The large group, who he described as being intimidating, started throwing around a plastic bottle, which ended up hitting another passenger. She did not say anything to the group, but Mr Hosker did.

Which, for a man with a prosthetic leg, was brave. And sadly futile. 

One man, Saif Ali, 21, was later identified following a police investigation and appeared in court for his role in the attack.

Boy, I can't wait for the mitigation... 

Defending Ali, of Lloyd Walk, Nelson, Joseph Allman started his mitigation by offering his client’s ‘most sincere apologies and remorse’ to Mr Hosker.

Mr Allman told the court that all of Ali’s closest friends and family were disgusted by his behaviour.

“His part in the assault was shortlived, he made the appalling decision to join in and he inflicted two kicks,” he said.

“He has held down a number of jobs. Education didn’t work out particularly well for him but he is a hard-working person. He is currently working for the track and trace programme. He has a supportive family.”

*sighs* 

Debating whether or not he should give Ali a chance, Recorder Mr Philip Grundy said it was ‘not difficult to lock up young men who have committed serious offences’. He added:

“What is difficult is; do I take a chance with you, for all the reasons put forward on your behalf?”

It can't be that difficult, can it? You bleeding hearts seem to manage it on a daily basis! 

“While the starting point is a custodial sentence, in the specific circumstances of your case, I will suspend that for two years.”

That'll teach him.