Warning: Graphic video

A man was savagely beaten by two Irish traveller brothers who mistakenly believed he had insulted their heritage.

In CCTV footage taken on Kingswood High Street, Bristol, Gerald Connors, 20, and Michael O’Connor, 18, can be seen squaring up aggressively to Daniel Athey, who is sat with his back to the window of a charity shop.

And despite attempts by Mr Athey’s friends to prevent the row descending into violence, the two brothers attacked Mr Athey, punching him repeatedly while his back was against the wall and kicking him in the face.

The two men pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm at Bristol Crown Court yesterday for the 27 July assault, telling the court that while they regretted their actions, they had been subjected to abuse relating to their traveller heritage earlier in the day and believed Athey to be the man responsible.

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‘They punched a man who was defenceless – he had his back against the wall,’ said Kenneth Bell, prosecuting.

‘There is an element of pre-meditation because these two obviously wanted to punch this man – they could have easily walked away.’

The pair were sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

Judge William Hart told the pair that it could have been very different.

‘The only thing that has saved you from custody is your youth and the fact you have no previous convictions for violence – you are very very close to having to go to jail,’ he said.

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