Detention for youth attacker

3:39pm Monday 23rd April 2001

A CATFORD man involved in a “destruction derby” against a disabled epileptic was sentenced at the Old Bailey last Thursday.

Vincent Popeley, aged 20, of Kilearn Road, Catford, Alan Culhane, aged 21, and Robert Biggs, 23, both of no fixed address, launched an unprovoked attack on Joseph Dimech, last July.

The three met Mr Dimech in a Tottenham Court Road pub.

Mr Dimech invited them for drinks at his home, in Stanhope Road, Camden.

When they got to the flat, Culhane and Biggs beat and tie-up Mr Dimech as Popeley ransacked the flat.

After taking his wallet and watch, Culhane and Biggs set fire to the flat and fled with their accomplice.

The 45-year-old tried to escape but collapsed. A neighbour saw smoke and phoned the emergency services.

Mr Dimech was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, bruising and a cut lip.

The attackers were captured on CCTV and following his arrest Popeley told police: “People got on a roll.

“There was just a bit of a destruction derby, you know what I mean.”

Popeley admitted he had robbed Mr Dimech and was sentenced to three years' detention at a young offenders institution.

Culhane and Biggs admitted robbery and arson, and a further robbery at the Centrepoint Hostel, and were each sentenced to 10 years.