Three men have been sentenced at Leeds Crown Court for their part on a vicious assault on a stranger.

As a result of a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation Marley Hollings, 28, of Skipton Road, Barnoldswick, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and was jailed for three years and nine months.

Thomas Scott, 31, of Meadow Lea, Keighley, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and received an 18-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months.  He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. Kyle Smith, 27, of Rowling Hollins, Colne, also pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and received a 15-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months and must carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. Both Smith and Scott have been ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187 and have been subjected to an electronic tag curfew which will be in operation between 21:00 and 06:00.

The crime took place on Wednesday 21 December 2022. The victim, who was 29 at the time, was travelling from Leeds to Skipton.  He shouted at the three men to shut up after they had caused a commotion, upsetting other passengers. At one point, Hollings shouted ‘bomb’ after throwing a vape down the carriage.

After the victim shouted at the men, all three swooped on him, punching him and kicking him in the head. The sustained attack spilled over into other seats where passengers were sitting.

A number of passengers intervened, attempting to pull the men off the victim.  Hollings proceeded to bite off half of one of the victim’s ears and then spat it out.  All three men left the train at Leeds.

The victim was taken to hospital and the missing part of the his ear was rushed to surgery but an attempt to reattach it failed.

Smith was arrested as he attempted to leave the Leeds station while Hollings was arrested the following day at his home address.  The last of trio, Scott, contacted police and handed himself in.

DC Liam Brown, the investigating officer, said: “This was a sickening and vicious assault and one which has left the victim not just with significant physical injuries and scarring but also seriously affected his mental health and he remains traumatised. This mob mentality of making others feel intimidated and uncomfortable along with a belief that they can do as they please without consequences will not be tolerated.

“This random violent attack has landed Hollings with a significant sentence and his cohorts with suspended sentences which, it is hoped, will prevent them from committing further acts of violence.”