CCTV catches gang who attacked man

Jun 10 2009 by Gregor White, Stirling Observer Wednesday

A MEMBER of a gang who stamped on a man’s head as he lay unconscious on the ground has been warned he faces jail.

Ryan Duffy (17) of 186 Drip Road, Stirling, was one of five people people who attacked Gavin Cochrane in the city’s Barnton Street on New Year’s Day.

At Stirling Sheriff Court on Monday Alistair Kennedy, prosecuting, said Mr Cochrane, who had been drinking in the street, was approached by a friend of Duffy who called him “a beast”.

Mr Cochrane lashed out with a punch and the group, including Mr Duffy, then set on him, punching him, kicking him, and kneeing him on the head and body.

Mr Kennedy said: “Mr Cochrane was knocked to the ground by the attacking mob.

“Whilst he was on the ground Ryan Duffy was seen on CCTV to kick and stamp on Mr Cochrane.

“On the CCTV recording it appears that Mr Cochrane goes limp and may have been unconscious but despite that Mr Duffy and another member of the group continue their attack.

“Mr Duffy was the last of the group to back off.”

Mr Kennedy said Duffy was identified from the footage and apprehended shortly afterwards.

The depute fiscal added: “The complainer Mr Cochrane was also traced by CCTV, having left the scene with a friend, and it has to be said he was reluctant to make a formal complaint.

“He was seen to have minor injuries to his face but did not seek medical attention.

“The accused was interviewed at Stirling Police Station and, after caution, said that Mr Cochrane used to go out with his sister and had tried to kill her and made her life a misery.

“He also said that Mr Cochrane was a beast who had recently been released from jail.”

The depute fiscal said that Duffy had added: “I hit him a few times because he deserved it because of what he did to my sister and because he’s a beast.”

Duffy pleaded guilty to assaulting and injuring Mr Cochrane.

Deferring sentence until July 29 for background reports, Sheriff Andrew Cubie warned Duffy: “You should be very aware that any offence which involves stamping on somebody until they are or appear that they are unconscious is liable to give rise to a custodial sentence.”