Takeaway boss punched as he delivered an order (From Worcester News)

College student is jailed for 16 months for his part in ‘a disturbing ambush’

9:50pm Sunday 2nd September 2012 in News

A college student who took part in the ambush of a Stourport takeaway boss as he delivered a meal has been locked up for 16 months.
Ryan Woods, along with two other youths, approached Tatming Wong, manager of the China Chef, as he walked with the £35 food order.
Woods, in the third year of an engineering course, demanded the food be handed over and offered just £2.27 in payment, Worcester Crown Court heard.
A struggle broke out, Mr Wong was knocked to the ground where Woods punched him several times in the face and kicked him, said Peter Grice, prosecuting.
The food fell onto the pavement.
Mr Wong had been lured from his shop by a phone call to deliver the food to a house in Old Ford Walk, Stourport.
Woods, aged 19, of Welch Gate, Bewdley, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to rob.
Recorder Geraint Walters said the defendant had taken part in “a disturbing ambush” and added: “I can’t begin to understand how you turned to such a violent act.
“You were sober when you beat up this man.
“It is inexplicable.”
A 16-year-old youth from Stourport – who cannot be identified for legal reasons – stood trial for the same incident but was acquitted.
Woods, a father-of-one with no previous convictions, lay in wait for Mr Wong on January 9 at about 10.30pm.
He suffered facial scratches and back pain.
The defendant was arrested two days later and claimed he handed over £6. 
He blamed the 16-year-old for what happened and insisted he only delivered blows after Mr Wong grabbed him during the melee.
Sophie Lomas, defending, said the student’s five-month-old son had a heart condition and the teenage mother relied on Woods to look after the child on a daily basis.
She said Woods had come under the influence of others. He was “full of regret” for the crime which was carried out in “a moment of madness”.