STAMPING on a teenage boy's head could have ended in death, a Ventnor man was told, as he was sentenced to more than four years in prison at Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Monday).

Levi Bellamy, 20, of Esplanade, Ventnor, was sentenced to four years and four months after he pulled a 17-year-old boy off his bicycle and stamped on his head in front of a street full of witnesses in Ventnor.

On February 13, Bellamy saw the teenager cycling on Albert Street and, because of an ongoing conflict, ran over and carried out the assault, before saying: "You're not laughing now."

Isle of Wight Crown Court heard how the victim tried to get up and escape, but was hit back down, as onlookers shouted at the attacker to stop.

After the attack, the victim ran to a friend's address and passed out. His father was called and he was taken to hospital, Simon Foster, prosecuting, told the court.

Doctors told the victim if the stamp had been slightly higher, he could have died, the court heard.

In an impact statement, the victim said: "I will be too nervous to go out on my own for a while. I am worried it will happen again."

Bellamy was arrested later that day and had clearly been the victim of an assault himself, but did not want to report it.

Representing Bellamy, Oscar Vincent told the court that associates of the teenager had attacked Bellamy.

"He did not wish to make a counter complaint because he was feeling remorseful about attacking the 17 year old, so could understand the reaction by the teenager's associates," Mr Vincent said.

Bellamy pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and also pleaded guilty to a charge of common assault for a previous, less serious, attack on the same victim.

Since his arrest, he has been in custody at HMP Winchester and has been using the time on rehabilitation activities, Mr Vincent said.

He has undertaken two sets of detox treatment and carried out work to address his mental health, Mr Vincent said.

Bellamy suffers with depression and anxiety, as well as PTSD after a traumatic childhood, the court heard.

Recorder Alastair Malcolm, sentencing, said: "Nothing justifies what you did to him, particularly the stamping on his head, which could well have killed him."

Mr Malcolm pointed out that Bellamy has a history of violence and a long criminal record and sentenced him to four years and four months.

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