Isle of Wight man filmed as 15-year-old was punched and kicked

Callum James Roy Williams, of Linden Road, Newport, attended the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday, September 22, for sentencing after pleading guilty to assault by beating.

Simon Jones, prosecuting, said the incident, which took place in East Cowes on June 21, 2022, involved a 16-year-old boy, now 17, who pleaded guilty to his role in the assault earlier this month and was handed a six-month referral order.

Williams, 21, was 19 at the time of the offence, and the pair’s victim was a 15-year-old boy.

The two turned on the victim, telling him to apologise to another boy.

The victim left the area and spoke to an unknown member of the public at the Waitrose bus stop, telling him he was ‘afraid of what would happen’ to him, the court heard.

Mr Jones said the victim was followed by Williams and his friend, with Williams telling the victim to “kiss my shoes,” which he did out of fear and was captured on video.

Williams filmed as the other boy kicked and punched the victim, and the video played in court showed the boy distressed and hurt.

In a statement, read out by Mr Jones, the victim said: “After the incident, I was frightened to go outside for several weeks. It really shook me, and I spent weeks at home.”

The court heard that the victim and his dad moved to the mainland to escape threats being targeted at their home.

Jonathan Underhill, defending, said Williams “was an incredibly silly boy on that day,” describing the assault as deeply unpleasant and unnecessary.

Mr Underhill said his client’s ‘immaturity’ means he does not understand the scale of the incident and shows little remorse as a result.

Williams is now in a relationship, with Mr Underhill telling the court that his girlfriend is a stabilising influence on him.

Judge Susan Evans told Williams he “should be ashamed, but I’m not sure you are.”

Williams was handed an 18-month community order and must pay £250 compensation to the victim.