Thugs let out of jail early attacked teen

OVER 100 CONVICTIONS BETWEEN THE TRIO

- By ROB KENNEDY Court reporter

A SCHOOLBOY on his way home from football practice was subjected to a terrifying violent robbery by a gang of thugs who had been let out of prison early.

The 15-year-old got off a bus in Gateshead and came across serial criminals David Ingram, Benjamin Benstead and Jordan Howey.

The trio, with more than 100 convictions between them, had all been released to a bail hostel in Gateshead. They confronted the boy and demanded he hand over his belongings before chasing the teen and punching him, leaving him bleeding, in disgraceful scenes.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the boy was walking home in Bensham around 8.30pm on December 11 last year when he was targeted.

Ian Cook, prosecuting, said: “He was approached by the defendants, who had recently left their bail hostel nearby.

“They pinned him against a gate and circled and blocked him in. One of them pulled out a knife and held it to his throat. He was scared and handed over his bag to them.