Shocking video footage shows the moment a group of youths beat up a petrol station worker in a sickening assault they then uploaded to Snapchat.
The four thugs, aged between 19 and 22, forced open the garage doors in Stockport before launching into a vicious attack on a defenceless worker and robbing the store. In the short clip, uploaded to the video-sharing social media app, they are seen raining punches down on the man as he tries to cover up behind the counter.
One youth even threw a monitor at him before kneeing him in the face and kicking him in the head in the sustained beating in July 2021. One of the yobs - Kausar Amin, 22, of Oldham - was this week jailed for two years for assault and robbery after a trial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester.
Meanwhile, Bradley Maphosa, 20, of Salford was sent to a young offender institute for two years. Two others, both 19-year-old men from Oldham, were given suspended sentences for their part in the attack.
Greater Manchester Police said the group attacked the man in the early hours of the morning after threatening behaviour in the forecourt of the garage. The force said they had earlier stolen e-cigarette liquid from the store but one of the suspects had left his mobile phone at the scene, which was captured on CCTV.
They returned later that night and carried out the assault. Police said the Snapchat video was accessed after their arrest and cross-referenced with the CCTV to be used against them as evidence in court.
The male shop worker needed medical treatment for his injuries and the group caused excessive damage to the store and stole a further £600 worth of stock. Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Lucy Williams said: "After our detailed investigation into this incident, I’m glad we’ve managed to bring those people who took part in the unprovoked attack on a shop worker to justice.
"Their actions on that day were completely out of order and fuelled by rage over a minor incident where they went out with the intent to steal and ultimately cause harm. Hopefully, this will send a reminder to those who want to break the law that this will be not tolerated and provide some reassurance to shop workers that your safety and protection is important to us.
“The bravery of the victim and the support received was crucial to getting this result and I would also like to thank the public who helped us during our appeal process."