TWO teenagers caught on camera during a “cowardly” early morning attack in Bournemouth town centre have been sent to a young offender institution for 10 months.

Following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court Thomas Leyshon, 19, from Kelly Close, Poole and Shane Trow, 19, were convicted of assault, causing grievous bodily harm.

Jurors were told how a 21-year-old New Milton man suffered a fractured jaw and broken teeth after violence flared outside a nightclub in Old Christchurch Road at 3.30am on September 24 last year.

The victim was knocked to the floor and kicked to the head during the fracas at a taxi rank.

He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for treatment for the injuries.

The court heard how police had been alerted after the assault was captured on a town centre CCTV camera.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, the officer in the case, DC Wendy Stout, said: “This was a cowardly attack in which the offenders outnumbered the victim.

“They continued to strike him while he was on the ground.”

She added that the victim had been on a night-out with friends when he was set upon and suffered “nasty injuries for which he still receives medical treatment”.

DC Stout told the Daily Echo: “I hope this outcome sends a clear message that this shocking behaviour will not be tolerated.”