The Snapchat clips that led to the downfall of violent brutes

A Snapchat video captures the horrific moment an innocent shop worker was punched, kicked and stamped on in a vile attack by a group of hooded thugs.

The short clip, filmed and posted on the social media app, shows the member of staff cowering behind the counter at the petrol station on Wellington Road South, Stockport, during the assault and robbery in the early hours of July 29 2021.

The video is what led police to the doors of Kausar Amin, Bradley Maphosa, Tyler Garforth and Riley Richardson.

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A member of staff is seen being threatened by the group from the forecourt, before they barge into the petrol station, charge up to the man behind the counter and throw a digital screen at him, sending him flying towards the cigarette cabinet.

The horrific attack continues as they begin punching and kicking him one by one, as he falls to the ground and cowers in terror with his arms above his head. The man was looked over by paramedics after the gang ran off with £600-worth of stock.

After police obtained the Snapchat video, Amin, Maphosa, Garforth and Richardson were arrested and later charged. At Minshull Street Crown Court, Amin, 22, of Tate Street, Oldham, was sentenced to two years for robbery.

His three accomplices were convicted of robbery. Maphosa, 20, of Middlewood Street, Salford, was locked up in a young offender institute for two years.

Garforth, 19, of Henley Street, Chadderton, Oldham, was sentenced to detention in a young offender institution for 13 months suspended for two years.

Richardson, 19, of Salts Street, Oldham, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery, and was sentenced to 13 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Following the case, detective constable Lucy Williams said: "I'm glad we've managed to bring those people who took part in the unprovoked attack on a shop worker to justice. Their actions on that day were completely out of order and fuelled by rage over a minor incident where they went out with the intent to steal and ultimately cause harm.

"The bravery of the victim and the support received was crucial to getting this result and I would also like to thank the public who helped us during our appeal process. The evidence gathered did help us bring these people in front of the courts and make sure they had to answer for their actions."

Garforth was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and must observe a curfew for three months between 7pm and 7am. Richardson was ordered to carry out a six month alcohol treatment requirement, 100 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.