Violent pair locked up after targeting victims at bus stops

Two men have been locked up after a victim was punched, kicked on the floor, and had his head stamped on during an attempted robbery at a bus stop. 

The 18-year-old victim was in George Street, Nottingham city centre, when he was approached by 20-year-old Casey Mossman who asked him what was in his bag before he tried to grab it. 

The teenager tried to get away but was dragged to the floor and assaulted by Mossman. He was then punched in the face by a second man – 20-year-old Connor McKenna. 

The victim was repeatedly punched and kicked on the floor and stamped on during the incident which happened around 10.30pm on 15 September 2023. 

He had to go to hospital after suffering head and face injuries. 

Previously, Mossman and McKenna also tried to rob a 24-year-old man who was waiting at a temporary bus stop on Castle Boulevard around 9pm on 31 August 2023. 

The victim, who was with a friend, was approached by the pair who were immediately aggressive and intimidating towards them. 

Mossman told him to empty his pockets. As the bus arrived there was a struggle and Mossman punched him in the face. 

The victim and his friend managed to board the bus and get away from Mossman and McKenna. 

Following detailed inquiries, including scouring CCTV footage, Mossman and McKenna were arrested and charged in relation to both incidents. 

Mossman, of Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted robbery. 

McKenna, of Ribblesdale Court, Chilwell, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted robbery and a further charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. 

Both men appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday (15 May 2024). 

Mossman was locked up for three-and-a-half years and McKenna for three years. 

Detective Constable Richard Evans, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “These random violent attempted robberies on members of the public were completely unprovoked as they waited at bus stops. 

"I'm glad Mossman and McKenna have now been held to account for their crimes which caused considerable fear and distress to their victims.

"With the level of violence inflicted, it’s fortunate they didn’t sustain more serious injuries. 

“I hope our work in these investigations sends the message out that we will not tolerate such vile and threatening behaviour in our communities, we will investigate reports, and we will do everything in our power to put violent offenders before the courts.”