Brothers jailed for motiveless attack in Forest Gate

Two Polish brothers who beat a commuter unconscious as thieves rifled through his pockets are set to walk free in less than two months.

Janosz Gonet, 26 and 22-year-old Mateusz, chased and punched Samran Iqbal, 21, before kicking and stamping on his head as he lay motionless, a court heard.

CCTV shows the assault at a bus stop in Woodgrange, Road, Forest Gate. One apparent opportunist stole Mr Iqbal’s mobile as it was knocked from his hand as he was targeted at 10pm on May 13. Another moved in to steal �400 as he lay on the ground. He was treated for cuts, bruises and swelling on his face.

No one has been brought before the court for the robbery and theft.

Janusz, of Upton Lane, West Ham, and Mateusz, of no fixed address, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm,

They denied theft and robbery and were cleared after the prosecution offered no evidence.

Judge Diana Faber gave the older brother, who has a conviction for common assault in 2007, 26 weeks in jail, and the younger, who has no criminal record, 24 weeks. They will serve half their sentences in custody minus 58 days they spent on remand.

The judge said: “You committed a motiveless, nasty attack on your victim.”

They must each pay �250 compensation to Mr Iqbal.