Manchester attack: two plead guilty to violent assault on four Jewish boys which left one with a brain injury

Moshe Fuerst suffered a fractured skull and a brain injury in a violent attack in Manchester on Saturday 5th September. He and three friends (two teenagers and a 20-year-old) were wounded when they were assaulted by thugs whilst waiting at the Bowker Vale tram stop.

Forensics experts from Greater Manchester Police scoured the scene of the crime, followed by dawn arrests.

We can now confirm that two teenagers from Bury, both aged 17, pleaded guilty to assault charges at Manchester Youth Court yesterday.

One defendant pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of assault by beating, whilst the other pleaded guilty to wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by beating. According to Manchester Evening News, each defendant spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth and plea.

The court heard that the attackers shouted insults at the Jewish boys while they pursued them before the attack. Moshe was trapped in a corner and knocked out with a punch to the head. His assailant continued to kick him in the head and body while he lay defenceless on the floor. The defendants reportedly told the police that they were drunk at the time of the attack.

No further action will be taken against a third boy, also 17, who was arrested in connection with the attack and then released.

We commend Greater Manchester Police for its firm and swift response to this vile attack. We will be following the case with interest. The defendants will next be in court on 20th October.

Following intensive treatment, which included a medically-induced coma, Moshe has now been released from hospital. We wish Moshe a shana tova (happy Jewish new year) and a refuah shlema (complete recovery).