Aaron Megson (21), of Highthorne View, Armley, Leeds, was sentenced on Tuesday, 27 July at Leeds Crown Court after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and two common assaults, following the incidents in the early hours of Monday, 3 May 2010. 

Megson carried out the unwarranted assaults as he made his way through Leeds station with friend Damien Monkman (22), of Barden Place, Armley, Leeds,

Megson and Monkman followed the first victim through the station concourse to the ticket office around 2.20am.  After asking where he was from, Megson punched the victim – a 20-year-old from Riddlesden, Keighley - in the face, before continuing through the station towards the taxi rank. 

Their violent tirade continued as Megson approached the second victim, a 31-year-old from Bradford, and headbutted him in the face, leaving him with a broken nose, which later required surgery. The pair also attacked the victim’s friend, a 31-year-old from Gomersal, Cleckheaton, kicking and punching him before leaving the station.

Megson pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm and two counts of common assault as well as failure to answer to police bail.

Monkman pleaded guilty to one count of common assault and was given a 12-month community order, ordered to carry out 40 hours’ unpaid work and £160 costs for his part in the attack.

Detective Constable Tom Eastwood of British Transport Police said: “These were vicious and unprovoked attacks on three men who were simply making their way home after a night out.

“Thanks to the excellent CCTV at the station and an independent witness who saw the attack, we were able to quickly track Megson and Monkman down and put the overwhelming evidence to them, leaving them with no option but to plead guilty. 

“BTP take these types of assaults very seriously and we will do everything we can to identify those responsible and bring the aggressors to justice.”