Violent Attack Targets Youth Over Designer Attire
A 16-year-old boy was violently assaulted by a group of fourteen masked individuals while walking with a friend in Newcastle city center. The attack reportedly occurred after members of the group commented on the victim’s designer streetwear.
Details of the Assault
According to court documents, the incident began when one assailant remarked “nice coat” about the teen’s £250 jacket. Despite attempts to ignore the group, the masked individuals surrounded the pair near St Mary’s Place on January 14, 2023. Authorities state the gang pinned the victim against a fence and repeatedly punched him in the face, resulting in a split lip.
During the assault, the attackers allegedly threatened to stab the teenager before stealing his coat, £600 iPhone, and £50 bag. The victim later described being “injured physically and emotionally” in official statements, adding: “I was attacked and made to feel my life was threatened by a much larger group of people.”
Criminal Sentencing Follows Investigation
Evidence Links Suspect to Crime
Mohammed Moufareh, 19, of Gateshead, has been sentenced to four years and eight months imprisonment after forensic evidence connected him to the robbery. Police reports indicate Moufareh was later seen wearing the stolen coat, with his fingerprints found on the victim’s recovered phone.
The sentencing also addressed additional criminal conduct. Court records show Moufareh pleaded guilty to possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply after officers witnessed a suspected drug transaction in November 2023. Authorities discovered a Fruit Shoot bottle containing ammonia and £100 worth of crack cocaine during his arrest.
Co-Defendant Receives Community Order
Kalalu Berhane, 20, of Byker, received a 12-month community order after being convicted of handling stolen goods related to a separate June 2022 robbery. Defense representatives for both men cited educational aspirations during sentencing hearings, with Moufareh’s counsel mentioning ambitions to pursue barbering after release.
Prosecutors emphasized the calculated nature of the attack, noting: “Four assailants split off to block escape routes while ten others surrounded the victim from behind.” Police continue to investigate other individuals involved in the assault.
