Three men who punched a teenager outside a block of flats, before one punched him as they tried to steal his bike, have been jailed.

On March 7 2017, a man was punched repeatedly and stabbed once, in Leeming Road, Borehamwood.

Ryan Pearce, 22, of St Neots Close, Borehamwood, Steven Miles, 19, of Hartforde Road, Borehamwood and Frankie Hughes, 18, of Stratfield Road, Borehamwood, were sentenced collectively for more than 11 years at St Albans Crown Court on January 31.

The court heard how the victim had been on his mountain bike, before he was approached by Pearce, Miles, and Hughes who tried to steal it.

The 19-year-old's bike had already been previously stolen and he had only recovered it that morning.

Together the three men attacked their victim, punching him repeatedly before Pearce produced a knife and stabbed him under his right armpit. They then left the scene with the bike.

The victim has since made a full recovery.

All three men were arrested and charged but they all pleaded not guilty.

Following a one-week trial, Ryan Pearce was sentenced to six and a half years for robbery, four years for GBH and two years for possession of an offensive weapon. The latter two sentences will run concurrently to the first.

Steven Miles was sentenced to four years for robbery and Frankie Hughes was sentenced to three years, again for robbery.

His Honourable Judge Stephen Warner said: “This was a very frightening experience for the victim. Each of you played a willing role in this joint enterprise and there was some element of disguise, albeit that this was not effective. Each of you contested the trial and the jury dismissed your defences.

Investigating officer DC Andrew Paveley, from the Hertsmere local crime unit, said: “This was a particularly nasty stranger attack and thankfully the victim was not seriously injured or worse. I am pleased with the sentences the judge has handed out to Pearce, Miles and Hughes.

“I hope they act as a deterrent to any young people who choose to carry knives – if you use them as a weapon, you will likely face a significant custodial sentence.”