Horrifying video shows two robbers hit victim's head with glass bottle in brutal Sunderland attack

James Donohoe and Graeme Chappell are now behind bars for the brutal assault, which was captured on CCTV.

The ruthless pair followed their victim as he walked home from Sunderland city centre in the early hours of Sunday, December 29 last year.

The 32-year-old victim was then hit over the head with a bottle before the raiders stole his mobile phone, cash and a vape – leaving him lying in the street with cuts to his head and bruises.

The ordeal was captured on CCTV, which has now been released by Northumbria Police with the victim’s permission.

Donohoe and Chappell were seen walking away from the scene shortly after.

But both men are now beginning a six-and-a-half year jail sentence after being convicted of robbery and assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Newcastle Crown Court.

Donohoe also admitted a further charge of possessing an offensive weapon.

Detective Constable Leigh Booth, who led the investigation, said: “This was a callous and pre-meditated attack as the pair saw their victim near a nightclub and then proceeded to follow him home.

“Knowing he was defenceless and outnumbered, they then hit him over the head with a glass bottle before raining down kicks and punches upon him.

“After swiping his mobile phone, cash and personal belongings, they then left their vulnerable victim lying in the street in the middle of the night and brazenly walked off.

“There behaviour is absolutely inexcusable and violent crimes such as this will not be tolerated in this city.”

Det Con Booth added: “I hope this strong sentence sends a message to other would-be offenders who look to prey on the vulnerable – you will be caught, you will be hauled into court and you will be put behind bars.”

Donohoe, 31, of Ennerdale, Washington, and Chappell, 41, of High Street, Sunderland, both refused to cooperate with police in interview but admitted their role in the offence in court and were subsequently jailed.

In a statement, the victim said: “This incident has caused me anxiety and I no longer walk home in the dark on a night.

“Nobody has the right to do this to me.”

The men were sentenced on Monday, November 2.

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