Three teenagers from Weston-super-Mare have been sentenced for a series of violent robberies targeting New Year’s Eve revellers and early morning commuters. Danius Melgailis, 18, Mohammed Ahmed, 19, and Henry Hathaway, 18, were sentenced on Friday, April 17, at Bristol Crown Court for their roles in the attacks.
Between 4:45am and 7:30am on January 1, the trio drove around the town in a black Audi A3, targeting eight victims, all men aged between 18 and 56. The offenders would exit their vehicle, often using force and weapons, to demand victims hand over valuables such as mobile phones, ear pods, bank cards, and cash.
The violent spree resulted in multiple hospitalisations. One victim sustained severe, life-changing injuries including a punctured lung, broken ribs, a fractured eye socket, head trauma, and permanent damage to his right eye that required several surgeries.
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The attackers also caused extensive damage to a Mercedes, mistakenly believing it belonged to one of the victims. The damage was so severe that the vehicle was deemed an insurance write-off.
Judge Hart condemned the trio’s actions as a “rampage” marked by “truly appalling violence.” The offenders pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, grievous bodily harm, and criminal damage, receiving sentences of nine, eight, and seven years respectively at a young offenders’ institution.
Superintendent Jen Appleford expressed relief that justice was served, highlighting the impact on the victims and the community’s concern. “The sentences show that violent attacks of this nature will not be tolerated,” she said, emphasizing the police’s commitment to community safety.