Teenagers involved in Chippenham alleyway attack avoid jail

Jamie Witts was with his friends in The Buttercross, Chippenham, on October 20 last year when he was approached by a man on his bicycle.

The two were known to each other and there was bad feeling between them.

The cyclist tried to greet Witts with a fist-bump. But the 18-year-old, who has autism, interpreted it as a punch and believing himself to be under attack struck out with his fists.

Jamie Witts leaves Swindon Crown Court

The man fell to the floor. He was punched and kicked by others in the group, including 19-year-old Callum Teunon.

He sustained a cut to his lip, which had to be glued at hospital, as well as bruises and scratches to his face.

READ MORE: Swindon reporter praised for bravery after breaking up fight

The ruckus was broken up by Wiltshire 999s reporter Daniel Webb, who was wearing a stab vest and a personal-issue CCTV camera.

Prosecutor Tom Wright praised the Swindon man’s intervention: “If he hadn’t done it may well have been a more serious incident.”

Mr Webb chased after Teunon and performed a citizen’s arrest. Witts, who had been recognised by the victim, was later arrested at home.

In a statement summarised by the judge, the victim said he had had trouble sleeping since the attack and was now nervous when he went out.

Richard Williams, for Witts, said his client had autism and had misread the fist-bump as a sign of aggression. He had good GCSEs and a job at a fast-food restaurant.

Clare Fear, for Teunon, said her client had not kicked the victim, was young and had not been in trouble before. He had been diagnosed with PTSD and an autism disorder.

Both men were remorseful and of previous good character.

Callum Teunon is arrested by police in Chippenham Picture: WILTSHIRE 999s/DANIEL WEBB

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court dressed smartly in shirt and tie, Witts, 18, of Wood Lane, Chippenham, and Teunon, 19, of Sutton Benger, pleaded guilty to assault by beating. The Crown offered no evidence on a robbery charge and formal not guilty verdicts were recorded by the judge.

Judge Peter Crabtree told Witts he had taken part in a sustained attack. “You misinterpreted a gesture from your victim. Whether that is the case or not you certainly were the person who threw punches, you certainly were part of the group who ended up getting the better of the victim. Also, Mr Webb, who needs to be commended for his part in all this, was able to see about five males assaulting the victim. As a consequence of that [assault] he suffered injuries.”

Both men received 12 month community orders, with Witts given an eight week curfew, Sunday to Tuesday, and a requirement to do 18 hours at an attendance centre. Teunon must comply with a four week curfew on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights, as well as do 10 rehabilitation sessions with the probation service