A GANG of hooded hugs who beat a man unconscious down a dark alley were identified because one of the attackers told police who the others were, a court heard.

As previously reported, ‘gloating’ attackers Martin Coffey, Asfandyar Kiani, Brennan Kilner and Mohammed Raja all took part in the group attack upon Kester Jardine in Black Horse Walk, Lowesmoor, Worcester. So far only Coffey, 26, of Maple Avenue, Worcester, has been sentenced for the ‘ferocious’ attack on Kester Jardine when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Friday following the attack on March 26 last year.

We can now reveal that 22-year-old Kilner of Sidbury told police who the other attackers were. Harinderpal Dhami, prosecuting, said a mark on Coffey’s coat also helped identify him as one of the men.

He added: “This defendant (Coffey) was identified as a result of his co-defendant Mr Kilner being interviewed who named this defendant and the others.”

The victim was punched and kicked by the gang, who all stand convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, even as he lay unconscious and entirely helpless on the ground. Kiani came back but not to help the man, only to steal his wallet.

The victim suffered pain and soreness to his face, a damaged nose and grazes and swelling to his hands which led to a loss of dexterity which had an impact on his work in a kitchen. Mr Jardine and his friend were chased by the gang after they declined the group’s offer to sell them cannabis.

Coffey was sentenced to 22 months in prison. Kilner and Raja are due to be sentenced next month. Meanwhile, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Kiani after he failed to attend the hearing on Friday. The judge took into account aggravating features before sentencing Coffey, including previous convictions for violence (two battery offences while waiting to be sentenced for the ABH, possession of an axe and robbery), his poor compliance with non-custodial sentences in the past.