Blow knocked out boy’s teeth (From York Press)

Sam Martin jailed after punching 15-year-old boy

8:10am Monday 17th September 2012 in News By Megi Rychlikova, megi.rychlikova@thepress.co.uk

A MAN who punched a 15-year-old boy in the mouth and knocked out some of his teeth in a popular city centre park has been jailed.

Gill Sandall, prosecuting, said the victim was sitting with friends drinking soft drinks in Dean’s Park when Sam Martin walked up to him and grabbed him round the throat in an unprovoked attack.

When the 15-year-old freed himself, Martin punched him so hard in the mouth, two teeth fell out and a third was dislodged.

Then he shook hands with the 15-year-old and apologised before walking off.

It was the second time Martin had been before a court for violence and he also had a caution for criminal assault.

Martin, 18, no fixed abode, who comes from Wigginton , pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm and was jailed for 60 days.

Ms Sandall said Martin told the victim he had “taken advantage” of Martin’s girlfriend because she was drunk when the 15-year-old had kissed her a month earlier.

For Martin, Julian Tanikal said there had been a “verbal altercation”.

Martin deeply regretted what he had done in the park and wanted to make amends.

“It is key that he gets assistance and help,” said the solicitor.

Martin had had to be taken out of normal education because he had behavioural problems.

He had since got a catering job, but lost it. He had also fallen out with his family and become homeless and had taken cannabis “almost as a self-medication” to help him cope with his emotional problems.

He had tried hard to find other work without success but he had been reconciled with his family who were in court to support him.

Although Martin had got help from some agencies as a youth, he had lacked the help he needed in managing the transition from childhood to adulthood.