A TEENAGE epileptic was attacked by two strangers in a town centre after his first day at work.
Now his attackers face time behind bars after being found guilty of charges following a 12-day trial at Blackfriars Crown Court.
Jordan Barclay, aged 18, unemployed of Lincoln Close, Slade Green, was convicted of causing GBH with intent, affray and possession of a firearm or imitation firearm in a public place.
Ryan Gouldthorp, aged 18, a sales assistant of Reed Court, Greenhithe, was found guilty of GBH and affray.
Police are still looking for a third youth in connection with the attack.
The court heard how on July 12 last year Michael Lafane, then aged 17, was sitting on a bench in Crayford Road, Crayford, chatting and laughing with friends.
It was a Sunday and Michael had just finished his first day’s work at the Tower Retail Park and was waiting for his parents to pick him up to go to a family party.
Gouldthorp, who was with a gang of youths, crossed the road and began pushing and shouting at Michael.
He then punched Michael several times in the face.
Two other youths joined him, one of whom was Barclay who had a ball bearing gun.
He hit Michael repeatedly on the head with the gun, while the others carried on punching and kicking him as he tried to get up.
One of Michael’s friends said after the attackers walked away, Michael stood up, but then collapsed in an epileptic fit.
Two women driving along Crayford Road saw the attack and stopped to give first aid to Michael.
He spent four days in intensive care and now suffers more frequent and severe epileptic attacks.
Detective Sergeant Gary Wingrove, from Bexley CID, said: "This was an horrific and sustained attack that occurred in broad daylight on a young boy who had just finished his first day at work.
"I am delighted that the jury has found the defendants guilty and I hope that this result enables the victim and his family to move on and rebuild their lives."
He added: "I would like to thank all those witnesses who came forward and helped the victim at the scene and those who assisted the investigation.
"Without their assistance we may not have been able to bring the case to court."
Barclay and Gouldthorp will be sentenced on June 7.
Anyone with information about the third attacker can call Bexley police on 0300 123 1212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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