FOUR county teenagers who got so drunk they could barely remember beating a man up have been spared a jail sentence by Hereford magistrates.

Steven Gibbs, of Lugg View, Hereford; Samuel Nicholas, of Pennyfields, Norton Canon; Patrick Mayglothing, of Ledgemoor, Weobley; and Matthew Phillips, of Godiva Road, Leominster heard they were “very, very lucky” to each receive a 12-month community order instead.

The four, all aged 19, must also pay their victim, Mark Cheung, a total of £300 in compensation after attacking him last October in what police called an early hours feeding frenzy.

Prosecutor Sally Hewitt said they fought with Mr Cheung’s friend before turning on him near Morrisons Supermarket in Hereford.

When his friend ran off Mr Cheung, who until then had not been involved, received cuts, bruises and a dislodged tooth after being punched and kicked on the ground.

Marilena Di Vitantonio, defending, said the defendants were largely unable to recall what they had done and had since reduced their alcohol intake as a result.

“They are all extremely remorseful and ashamed of what happened – it’s not something they do on a regular occasion,” she said.

Three pleaded guilty to common assault but Mayglothing was found guilty by trial on the basis he was involved, but not in the kicking and punching.

He must complete 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £200 in costs, while the others will complete 120 hours each and pay £60 costs.

In a statement, Mr Cheung said he had suffered sleeping problems ever since and was afraid to go out in the city on his own.

“I feel I am withdrawn and my confidence has suffered, I wish I could go back to the way I was before the attack,” he said.