Tom Hilton, 17 at the time of the incident, suffered life-threatening injuries when he was brutally attacked in August 2021 at the Old Paper Mill in Hermitage Street, Rishton. His skull was exposed, and he sustained severe wounds to his shoulders and legs. Despite the gravity of his injuries, he survived the attack. As of 2024, Hilton is focused on recovery and rebuilding his life. Details about his personal life, including his partner, children, and net worth, remain private and are not publicly disclosed.
Trial Details
In a trial at Preston Crown Court last year, the court heard how Hilton had gone to the popular meeting place, only to be chased by a group of boys he later described as “like a pack of gorillas.” He attempted to flee through the woods and onto the road, but the gang, consisting of Danny Yakub, Connor Armstrong, and Jay Slater among others, caught up with him. The baying mob of eight surrounded Hilton and launched a frenzied attack using weapons and fists.
Disrespect in Court
Throughout the trial, the eight defendants laughed and joked, showing a blatant disrespect for the court proceedings. Judge Philip Parry reprimanded them for their behavior, noting that they were all children at the time of the offence but emphasized the severity of their actions. He highlighted their involvement in violent disorder, intimidation of witnesses, supply of class A drugs, and street robbery.
Judge’s Remarks
Judge Parry was stern in his remarks, stating, “I have to have at the forefront of my mind the fact that most of you were children when you committed these offences. I make it very, very clear that all eight of you have behaved disgracefully. You should all be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves, but I am not at all convinced you are. Many of you have found these proceedings amusing throughout the trial, showing disrespect to the court.”
Sentences Handed Down
Despite the severity of the crimes, all eight defendants avoided jail time. The judge decided on a more rehabilitative approach, focusing on community orders and rehabilitation activities. The sentences were as follows:
- Danny Yakub, 18, of Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, received an 18-month community order with 25 days of rehabilitation activities and 180 hours of unpaid work.
- Connor Armstrong, 19, of Christ Church Street, Accrington, was given a two-year community order with 35 days of rehabilitation activities and 200 hours of unpaid work.
- James Meagre, 18, of Tinker Brook Close, Oswaldtwistle, received a two-year community order with 25 days of rehabilitation activities and 200 hours of unpaid work.
- Davis Hargreaves, 18, of Plantation Road, Accrington, was sentenced to a two-year community order with 35 days of rehabilitation activity requirements and 200 hours of unpaid work.
- Kane Taylor, 20, of Ripon Road, Accrington, received an 18-month community order with 25 days of rehabilitation activities and 150 hours of unpaid work.
- Jay Slater, 18, of Fountains Way, Accrington, was given an 18-month community order with 25 days of rehabilitation activities and 150 hours of unpaid work.
Juvenile Offenders
Two of the attackers, aged 16 and 17 at the time of sentencing, were given youth referral orders. The 16-year-old, whose identity is protected, received an 18-month youth referral order with 18 months of supervision, 91 activity days, a four-month curfew, and an intervention plan. The 17-year-old, also unnamed for legal reasons, was given a similar 18-month youth referral order with 18 months of supervision, 91 activity days, a three-month curfew, and an intervention plan.
Rehabilitative Approach
Judge Parry’s decision to focus on rehabilitation rather than incarceration reflects a belief in giving young offenders a chance to reform. He expressed hope that the defendants would mature and lead law-abiding lives, acknowledging the support they had received from their families and the community. However, he made it clear that their actions had serious consequences and that they needed to take responsibility for their behavior.
Impact on Victim
The impact on Tom Hilton has been profound. The attack left him with physical and emotional scars that he continues to cope with. The court’s decision to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment for his attackers has been a point of contention, with some arguing that it undermines the severity of the crime. Hilton’s focus now is on his recovery and moving forward with his life, although the memories of that night remain a constant reminder of the violence he endured.
Community Reaction
The community’s reaction to the sentencing has been mixed. Some support the judge’s rehabilitative approach, believing it offers the young offenders a chance to turn their lives around. Others feel the sentences were too lenient, given the brutality of the attack. The case has sparked discussions about juvenile justice and the balance between punishment and rehabilitation in dealing with young offenders.
In conclusion, the shocking attack on Tom Hilton by a group of teenagers has had lasting effects on both the victim and the perpetrators. The court’s decision to focus on rehabilitation rather than incarceration highlights the complexities of juvenile justice and the ongoing debate about how best to address youth crime.