A YOUTH from Beckenham who hurled stones at a man with learning difficulties has had his seven-year sentence reduced.

Jason Stone, of Kent House Road, pleaded guilty in January to attempted robbery and was also convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

After the 18-year-old's trial at inner London Crown Court, he was sent to a young offenders' institution for seven years.

But judges James Maddison and Sir John Blofeld, at London's Criminal Appeal Court, have cut the term to six years.

Judge Maddison said Stone has expressed remorse and there was evidence he had been "easily led" by an accomplice.

The judge told the court how Stone engaged his victim with conversation.

The victim, a young man with learning difficulties, was travelling from his West Norwood home to visit his mum on Mother's Day.

Stone and an accomplice initially tried to rob the man but he had no cash to steal.

Stone then picked up "a large brick and at least one stone" and threw it in the victim's face.

The culprits then abandoned the victim, who was later found in a "confused and distressed state".

A hospital examination revealed the victim, who was not named in court, had a fracture below the eye socket.

December 18, 2001 16:06