Two men jailed for robbery after “cowardly” attack on innocent man left with broken cheekbone

Two men have been jailed after a “cowardly” attack on a man in Brixton which left him with a broken cheekbone.

Jaydan Dugdale, 20, from Watford, and Paul Thomas, 20, from Walthamstow were each jailed for eight years on Tuesday.

The victim, a man in his late 20s, was attacked by Dugdale, Thomas and a third unidentified man in Raeburn Street, Brixton, at around 2.15am on September 7, 2019.

He was punched and kicked several times in the chest and face over several minutes. The suspects made off with his mobile phone and wallet.

The victim received hospital treatment for facial injuries, including a broken cheekbone, for which he required surgery.

After the attack witnesses called police who found Dugdale nearby a short time later. Thomas was arrested by police in Raeburn Street.

Both men were later charged with robbery, with Dugdale also charged with possession of cannabis.

They were found guilty of robbery following a trial in March and will spend an extra two years on licence after their release.

Detective Constable Aisha Grainger, from the Central South Robbery and Burglary Team, said: “This was a cowardly, unprovoked attack on the victim, who was outnumbered and unfortunate enough to cross paths with Dugdale and Thomas, who were clearly looking for trouble that night.

“It was only down to luck that the victim was not more seriously injured. The judge recognised the severity of this attack in handing down these strong jail sentences, classing them both as dangerous offenders.”

Pictured: Paul Thomas left, Jayden Dugdale right