Teenagers sentenced for brutal city centre attack on man in Cambridge
Unprovoked assault near St Mary’s Church left victim with serious injuries
Two teenagers involved in a vicious attack on a 20-year-old man in Cambridge city centre have been sentenced.
The confrontation occurred on 12th August 2024 in Market Square when the victim was approached by two teenage girls who asked him to buy alcohol for them.
When he refused, the situation turned aggressive, culminating in Xavier Matelot, 19, from Peterborough, delivering a flying kick to the victim's head, causing it to hit a metal fence near St Mary’s Church.
Zein Gibril, 18, from Cambridge, then repeatedly punched the victim, leading to a skull fracture and a bleed on the brain, which necessitated medical treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
During sentencing at Cambridge Crown Court on 25th September, Gibril was handed an 18-month Youth Rehabilitation Order after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent and possession of cannabis. Matelot received a 21-month suspended prison sentence and must complete 120 hours of unpaid work.
Detective Constable Luca Bellomo, who investigated the case, said, "This was a shocking and entirely unprovoked attack on a young man in broad daylight. The victim suffered serious injuries and, as a result, has been left with potentially life-changing consequences."
He added, "Violence of this nature has no place in our communities."