Two youths admit assault near Eastham Rake railway station

Feb 24 2010 by Matt Hurst, Bromborough and Bebington News

TWO 18-year-olds pleaded guilty to assault near Eastham Rake railway station, causing “significant and noticeable” injuries.

Philip Byrne, of Parkside Road, Bebington and Kurtis Davies of Seaview Avenue, Eastham appeared before District Judge, Michael Abelson at Birkenhead Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Mr Abelson was told that the two youngsters, who were only 17 at the time, approached Nathan McKenna on December 17 after Mr Davies was alleged to have been assaulted by him on a previous occasion.

The pair spotted Mr McKenna while on a train, and after disembarking at Eastham Rake railway station made their way over, purporting to shake hands.

But instead Philip Byrne punched Mr McKenna, and Davies joined in.

In a statement, Mr McKenna said: “I held out my left hand to shake his, then Philip punched me to the left side, just below the eye.

“It really hurt.”

A scuffle broke out, leaving Mr McKenna with “significant and noticeable injuries”, Judge Abelson said.

The pair, given credit for their guilty plea and granted unconditional bail, will appear again on March 15.