News Release
Brothers jailed for serious assault
Dated: 20 Jul 2010
Two brothers have been given lengthy jail terms for a serious assault which left a man fighting for life in Newcastle.
Orrie Burns, 18 and his 20-year-old brother Shaun, both from Dilston Road, Newcastle, were jailed for seven and eight years respectively when they appeared at Newcastle Crown for sentencing on Thursday.
The pair, who had both previously pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent, seriously assaulted an Eastern European man following a disturbance at the West Road.
It happened at around 11pm on Friday July 24, 2009, when the 20-year-old victim was assaulted outside Dixy Chicken takeaway on West Road.
The victim was punched and kicked and hit with items including pieces of wood. He was taken to hospital for treatment to serious head injuries, where he spent a week in intensive care in a drug induced coma. He is now recovering from his ordeal.
Officers carried out an extensive enquiry into the assault and are pleased the pair have now been jailed for their actions.
Detective Constable Peter Watson, who led the investigation into the assault, said: "This was a nasty, vicious assault where the victim was kicked and punched and left for dead. He is lucky to still be alive.
"After the assault officers got there quickly and made arrests nearby. This has been a long and extensive enquiry and I'm pleased it's now reached it's conclusion. I hope this now means the victim can but this ordeal behind him and try to move forward with his life.
"There's no place in Newcastle for violent crime and hopefully the sentences passed to these two brothers show we will not put up with such behaviour.
"We'll continue to work hard to prevent these offences from taking place, and when they do happen ensure the offenders are put before the courts to face punishment for their actions."
Photograph: Shaun Burns (left) and brother Orrie.