A teenager who attacked a vulner-able young man, breaking his arm, and then joined in a further attack on the same victim eight days later was given four years' custody on Friday.

A teenager who attacked a vulner-able young man, breaking his arm, and then joined in a further attack on the same victim eight days later was given four years' custody on Friday.

Kyle Crowsley, 19, attacked vulnerable teenager Paul Hodgson in Martham after he took exception to a remark he made, Norwich Crown Court heard.

Lori Tucker, prosecuting, said he broke Mr Hodgson's arm in the attack and then eight days later, when the victim's arm was in plaster, he attacked him again along with three friends after seeing him in Yarmouth. She said Mr Hodgson, who has a number of difficulties, said in an impact statement that he still suffered flashbacks about the attack.

Crowsley, of no fixed addressed, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Hodgson on April 11 this year and causing him actual bodily harm on April 19. He also admitted a separate incident in October last year of common assault and threatening behaviour.

Sentencing him, recorder Simon Spence told him: “You are at risk of being a very dangerous young man and someone who has no control over their temper.”

Also in the dock were Ryan Hacon, 18, of Staithe Road, Martham; Tony Stead, 18, of Southgate Road, Yarmouth, and Russell Vallerious, 18, of Stablefield Way, Hemsby. All three admitted actual bodily harm on Mr Hodgson and were each ordered to pay the victim �300 compensation. They were also given eight months' detention suspended for two years and ordered to do 250 hours' unpaid work. They also had a six-month curfew imposed. The recorder said all three, who were of previous good character, had avoided custody by the skin of their teeth.

Jonathan Morgans, for Crowsley, said the arm breaking had been accidental: “He did not intend to cause it.” He said Crowsley had matured since these incidents.

Katherine Moore, for Vallerious, said all the men had been drinking when they got involved in the attack and said it was out of character.

Ian James, for Hacon, said it was a spur-of-the-moment offence.

Guy Ayers, for Stead, said it was not a planned attack and he was very remorseful.