A DRUNKEN youth with the word “killer” scratched on his chest carried out an unprovoked attack on a teenager on a trip to a beauty spot.

Michael Thomas Lynch was yesterday jailed for 12 months for the attack on the 16-yearold, his seventh conviction for violence in the past six years.

Lynch, 21, was among eight youths who set about members of a younger group on a day out at Finchale Priory, a countryside attraction on the River Wear, near Durham City, on April 20 last year.

Durham Crown Court heard that up to four members of the group were attacked.

It only ended when the assailants noticed blood pouring from the head of the 16- year-old.

Susan Hirst, prosecuting, said Lynch was distinctive among the attackers because of the inscription on his chest.

“When he was arrested and interviewed he admitted it and said he had no reason to assault them.

“He said they didn’t know those they had picked on and he admitted assaulting two people.

“He threatened one, who he said he had struck three times, while he hit another youth once.”

Miss Hirst said Lynch confirmed he had the word “killer” scratched on his chest.

She told the court that the victim, who was punched by Lynch while others joined in the attack, was treated in hospital for a cut to the side of his head, heavy bruising and swelling, plus a haemorrhage in his left eye.

He had to return to hospital for further treatment a week later and had difficulty sleeping for several weeks, due to the pain and flashbacks of the incident.

Lynch, of Farnham Road, Newton Hall, Durham, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and affray.

David Comb, in mitigation, said: “The immediate cause of his offending is alcohol dependency, yet he’s someone not without potential who secured a few GCSEs.”

Mr Comb said it reached the stage where Lynch was drinking several litres of strong cider a day and received medication to address his alcohol dependency.

“This was a young man putting on a lot of front and I accept a prison sentence is called for in one way or another,”

he added.

Jailing him, Recorder David Bradshaw told Lynch: “You’re 21 and have a record for violence.

“Although it’s now some time ago, it seems you targeted a young person of 16 for some perceived grievance.

“You went away and came back with others, isolating this young man and even you conceded there was absolutely no justification for this assault.”