'Justice for Mo and his family'

20 year old soldier Ashley Dacosta of Silvester Road and 25 year old Jack Carrick of Manor Road were convicted for perverting the course of justice.

Carrick was also found guilty on a separate charge of witness intimidation.

The convictions relate to the attack on Mo Bourner, then 15, by Ashley Dacosta in October on De La Warr Parade, causing the teenager to suffer severe brain damage.

The guilty verdict followed an eight day trial in which Dacosta and Carrick maintained their innocence throughout.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Sloan, who led the Major Crime Team investigation, said: “I am pleased that the jury has found both men guilty of perverting the course of justice - it is another step towards justice for Mo and his family.

“It is over nine months since the mindless assault on Mo by Ashley Dacosta, who then had the arrogance to try to pervert the course of justice from behind his prison bars. Today’s conviction sends out a strong message that witness intimidation and flouting the laws of justice will not be tolerated.

“I would like to thank again all those people who came forward and provided vital information - this has truly been a team effort in bringing Ashley Dacosta and Jack Carrick to justice.

“As always our thoughts are with Mo and his courageous family.

The defendants were remanded and are due to be sentenced on Monday 30 July at a court yet to be decided.