THREE teenagers have appeared in court after carrying out a sustained attack on a 13-year-old boy and stealing his bag.

The youngster was walking along Weaver Street in Winsford at around 4pm on Sunday, March 24, earlier this year when he encountered a large group of boys and girls.

Oliver Marriott and two other boys from the group, who cannot be named because of their age, then approached their victim as he neared the Warrington & Vale Royal College campus.

Eighteen-year-old Marriott grabbed the youngster's bag, pulling it over his head and taking it from him.

The victim made off towards the underpass near the Red Lion, but continued to be hassled, before the three defendants carried out their 'sustained' attack. 

The trio followed the victim, with one putting his arms around his neck to prevent him from escaping. One of the group began punching him repeatedly.

Marriott and the other boys, aged 14 and 15, continued to attack the victim as he tried to walk away.

A Cheshire Police spokeswoman said: "They continued to hassle him before the three defendants carried out a sustained assault on the victim.

"After the assault was finished and the victim was on the ground, Marriott told him to get up and say sorry. 

"He was assaulted again before running off."

Following a police investigation into the incident, all three defendants were charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, while Marriott faced an additional charge of theft.

The trio all appeared at Crewe Magistrates Court on July 17 where they pleaded guilty to the charges.

Marriott, of Regents Way, Winsford, returned to court on August 14 where he was handed a 12-month community order.

He must complete 200 hours of unpaid work within the next year and pay £250 in compensation to his victim.

The 14 and 15-year-old defendants were dealt with at a court hearing on July 18, when a referral order was made to the Cheshire Youth Offender Panel.

The parents or guardians of the boys, who were also ordered to pay their victim £250 compensation, must attend meetings for 10 months.

A two-year restraining order against all three defendant was also imposed, banning them from approaching, contacting or communicating with their victim in anyway as well as from entering a specified Winsford address. 

The court deemed this necessary to protect the victim from further harassment or violence.