TWO teenagers who kicked a Kidderminster man to death outside a Worcester hostel for the homeless while high on heroin have been sentenced to a total of 14 years detention.

Father-of-four Thomas O'Brien of Kidderminster, died from bleeding in the brain.

Karl Hardwick knocked out some of Mr O'Brien's teeth two days before the fatal attack in a row over money at St Paul's Hostel, Tallow Hill, where they were both residents.

Prosecutor Joan Butler QC told Worcester Crown Court that Hardwick, then aged 16, boasted to pals: "I'll do a proper job next time. I will kill the bastard."

On August 27 last year, Mr O'Brien, a scaffolder, was lying on grass near the hostel when another row erupted. A shocked visitor to a nearby mosque saw Hardwick stepping on Mr O'Brien's face and alerted hostel staff.

Graham Davis joined in, kicking the victim in the back near his neck. Dawn Taylor, 19, another hostel resident who had also taken heroin, kicked Mr O'Brien between the legs.

Hardwick, now 17, formerly of Goldsmith Road, Worcester, and Davis, 18, of Mayfield Road, Worcester, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Judge Michael Mott gave Hardwick eight years youth custody and Davis six years.

He sentenced Taylor, formerly of Raglan Street, Worcester, to two years youth custody after she pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

The judge concluded the "dreadful episode" was sparked by drug abuse after he said Mr O'Brien refused to give Hardwick cash to buy more heroin.

Miss Butler told how Hardwick kicked Mr O'Brien in the head and face on August 25 and warned: "You know how to stop it. Just give me the money."

Mr O'Brien, a hard-working man before his descent into heavy drinking, died in hospital two days after the attack.

Martin Wilson QC, for Hardwick, said he was at the mercy of drug pushers at the time but he was an intelligent and articulate lad who had undergone a change in custody and wanted to educate himself.

Robert Juckes QC, for Davis, said he had pulled Hardwick away in the first attack because he was "frenzied and crazy". But he joined in the fatal melee which he bitterly regretted.

Frances Oldham QC, for Taylor, said she was contrite.

The victim's sister, Margaret Brannan, from Kidderminster, said outside court: "Drugs led to my brother's death. We are happy with the sentences, but nothing will bring Tom back."