Brothers jailed for unprovoked attack on man

TWO brothers have been sent to prison for an unprovoked attack on a man who was on his way back from a music concert in the city centre.

Duane and Trois Sheppard both pleaded guilty to attacking Thomas Trapas on March 4 at Redcliffe Roundabout where one of them hurled a brick at his head.

Duane, 25, of Knovill Close, Lawrence Weston, then head-butted a police officer who attended the scene and brother, Trois, 21, of Wade Street, St Jude's, verbally abused him.

The two brothers were dealt with separately at Bristol Magistrates' Court.

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Duane Sheppard was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison before his brother received 22 weeks in jail.

The court heard that Mr Trapas had seen the two brothers attacking an unknown man on Redcliffe Roundabout who then managed to escape.

Laura Opie, prosecuting, said: "As Mr Trapas walked on he was struck from behind and was pulled to the ground where the two defendants were kicking him.

"At this point another unknown man was involved allowing the victim to pick himself up off the ground."

Ms Opie said that the unknown man fled from the scene and Trois said to Mr Trapas: "You're all on your own now. You know what that means."

Ms Opie added: "The victim then began to walk away but Trois threw a brick at his head."

The court heard that the victim still managed to run away and hailed a cyclist who called the police.

When the police arrived Ms Opie said that a PC Brogan faced a five-minute tirade of verbal abuse from both of the brothers.

Finally Duane Sheppard head-butted PC Brogan leaving the officer with a swollen and tender lip.

Defending the brothers, Gaynor Ibe and Judy Hampton said the pair had been drinking and were heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident.

Addressing Duane Sheppard first, presiding magistrate, Annette Young, said: "These matters are extremely serious, both of them.

"This was a group assault on a single man, unprovoked, where a brick was used."

For the assault on Mr Trapas, Duane Sheppard received a 26-week sentence.

As the sentence was read out there were shouts from the public gallery and Mrs Young called for quiet.

Addressing Trois Sheppard afterwards, Mrs Young said: "This will come as no surprise to you," as she handed him 22 weeks in jail.

Trois Sheppard received 21 weeks for his part in the assault with an additional week for failing to attend court at the given time.

He received no additional punishment for obstructing an officer in his duty.