A man has been sentenced to over four years in prison for a brutal attack and robbery of a 14-year-old boy cycling in Portchester earlier this year.
Harley Taylor, 20, was imprisoned for assaulting and robbing the teenager on Portchester Road.
The incident occurred at approximately 7.25pm on Sunday 19th January when the 14-year-old victim was riding his bicycle along Portchester Road. Taylor rushed towards him, forcing the boy to halt.
Following a brief verbal exchange, Taylor shoved the teenager backwards before striking him in the face and kicking his legs, knocking the victim to the ground.
Taylor proceeded to stamp on and kick the boy whilst threatening to stab him, demanding he surrender all his possessions.
The frightened victim handed over his jacket, footwear, tracksuit, mobile phone, Apple AirPods and bicycle before Taylor fled on the stolen bike.
A member of the public assisted the victim and contacted police.
Taylor, of no fixed address, was later arrested and charged with robbery and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. He pleaded guilty to both charges at Portsmouth Crown Court on Monday 3rd March.
At his sentencing hearing on Friday 25th July at the same court, he received 4 years and 4 months in a Young Offenders Institution with an extended licence period of two years. He was given an additional consecutive 6-month sentence for a dangerous driving matter from another county.
Taylor also received a 10-year restraining order preventing contact with the boy and a five-year driving prohibition.
During sentencing, the judge highlighted Taylor’s lack of self-control in what he termed a ‘savage attack’, noting the humiliation inflicted upon the victim and the psychological impact on the boy.
DC Luke Fairchild commented: “This was a vicious and sustained assault on a child.
“Harley Taylor’s behaviour that evening was completely deplorable, and I’m thankful to the passer-by who helped the victim immediately after this incident. I also wish to thank the officers who responded rapidly and our colleagues in Warwickshire Police for their assistance in Taylor’s arrest.
“We will never accept individuals who commit violence against members of our community, particularly children. I hope this sentence demonstrates clearly that anyone committing such violent crimes will be pursued relentlessly and brought before the courts.
“Finally, I want to thank the victim and their family for reporting this incident. The victim expressed hope that this outcome will encourage others to come forward should they ever face similar circumstances.”
