TWO Blaenau Ffestiniog men have been jailed for four years after a riverside robbery in which their 18-year-old victim had his jaw broken in three places.

Luke Jones, 20, of Pen y Gwndwn, and 29-year-old Stephen Jones of no fixed address pleaded guilty at Caernarfon Crown Court on Monday to the attack on 15 January near the river at Llanrwst.

Richard Edwards, prosecuting, described how victim Ayron Williams, apparently a regular user of cannabis, had phoned Luke Jones to arrange a purchase of the drug from him.

There was a scuffle and Luke Jones ripped off Mr Williams’ coat, hoodie and t-shirt.

When the victim tried to run away he tripped, whereupon he was repeatedly kicked on the ground, with Stephen Jones joining in the attack.

Then the two defendants walked off with Mr Williams’ wallet, mobile phone and items of clothing.

Mr Williams needed surgery for two metal plates to be inserted in his jaw.

A member of the public found the mobile phone near the river the next day and handed it to police.

The prosecutor said Luke Jones had 19 previous convictions, some involving violence, and Stephen Jones had 95, mostly for theft and shoplifting, although he had served 12 weeks in jail for assault.

Passing sentence, Judge Philip Harris-Jenkins said Mr Williams had been kicked repeatedly to the face and body while lying on the floor.

“This was a prolonged attack on the victim, the violence used was with a weapon – the feet of both of you – and there was serious injury,” he added.

“There’s also the fact there was a degree of planning.”

See full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News