Two men jailed for ‘vicious and harrowing’ attack of a man in Manchester City Centre.

Yesterday afternoon (25 August 2022), two men appeared before Manchester Crown Court where they were jailed for their part in an unprovoked attack of a man in the Withy Grove area of the Manchester City Centre.

• Muneer Hassan, 22, of Clifford Court, Old Trafford, was jailed for 32 months after being found guilty of attempted section 18 assault.

• Muestafa Hassan, 23, of Brunswick Road, Sheffield, was jailed for 28 months after being found guilty of attempted section 18 assault and theft.

The court heard how in the early hours of the 6^th February 2022 the victim, a man in his 20s left a night club on Well Street when he was set upon by four men unknown to him. The men then subjected him to an attack which left him with severe bruising to his face after being kicked numerous times to the head. While he lay unconscious, the offenders proceeded to spit on the victim while Muestafa Hassan stole his mobile phone.

The assault was captured on CCTV and following an investigation by GMPs Operation Valiant team, four suspects were arrested at addresses in Manchester and Sheffield. One of the men received a suspended sentence with the other being sentenced at a later date.

Police Constable Jack Lenihan-Smith, of Operation Valiant, said: “This was a vicious and harrowing attack on an innocent man who had been enjoying a night out in the city. The offenders have shown little remorse for their actions and we’re pleased that they are now facing justice.

“Our team worked hard to make sure we secured charges on these men, which involved a detailed trawl throughout the CCTV in the City Centre, which ultimately led to us being able to match CCTV footage up with footage from inside the night club the offenders visited.

“Following this we executed four warrants simultaneously with assistance from the forces Critical Wanted Unit, leading to key evidence such as mobile phones, clothing and identification documents being recovered from the offenders homes.

“I hope today’s sentencing sends out a message that we will not just sit back and let innocent members of the public feel un safe in our city and be subjected to such appalling attacks. We will find you and make sure that you face the consequences of your actions”.

Operation Valiant is GMPs ongoing operation to crack down on street robbery and theft in our region, with a team of detectives and support staff working to both target perpetrators and educate the public on personal safety. Since it’s introduction in 2018, since its inception, Operation valiant have arrested over 800 people and have 400 years of combined sentences given out by the court

Greater Manchester Victims' Services provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime and are a confidential service. The service can be contacted by visiting the website on www.gmvictims.org.uk or calling 0161 200 1950.