Rothwell party gatecrashers jailed after brutal attack

Three men who viciously beat a black teenager while making monkey noises and shouting racist abuse have been jailed.

Judge Michael Fowler said that Jordan Bell-Henshaw, 22, Liam Edwards, 21, and Kyle Hankins, 20, attacked the 16-year-old out of feelings of “jealousy and inadequacy” as he jailed them at Northampton Crown Court on Monday, after they had been told they were not welcome at a girl’s 17th birthday party.

The court heard the trio were part of a larger group which arrived uninvited at an address in Harrington Road, Rothwell, on May 31 last year. After being told they were not welcome, they turned their anger on a 16-year-old black teenager, repeatedly punching and kicking him even while he lay on the floor.

Jonathan Cox, prosecuting, said the group made “monkey chants” and shouted racist abuse during the unprovoked attack in the front garden of the house.

Bell-Henshaw, of Cambridge Street, Rothwell, was described as the leader of the group, although he denied it. He gave evidence during the sentencing and denied hearing any racist abuse.

However, Judge Fowler said he did not doubt evidence presented earlier this year by the 17-year-old party host.

She described how the group became “immediately aggressive” after being denied entry and began challenging guests to a fight.

Mr Cox said: “Their bravery dissipated and they ran off as they were told the police had been called.”

The trio were arrested but were initially unrepentant, admitting they had seen a fight but not knowing who was involved. However, they each pleaded guilty to racially aggravated ABH on the first day of their trial.

Hankins pleaded guilty to a further charge of GBH relating to an incident at another house party when he shoved a 16-year-old down a flight of stairs, breaking his leg.

Bell-Henshaw additionally pleaded guilty to an offence of common assault, driving with excess alcohol and aggravated vehicle-taking following an incident at a house party on New Year’s Day 2014.

Bell-Henshaw was jailed for two years, 10 months. Hankins, of Elizabeth Road, Rothwell, was jailed for two years, six months and Edwards, of Spencer Street, Rothwell, for 18 months.

Northants Telegraph

The EDL supporter in this article is Jordan Bell-Henshaw and these grabs are from his facebook account.