Find the thug who did this to Joe, 18
Teenager with Asperger's attacked
THIS is the battered face of innocent Lambourn teenager Joe Deakin, recovering in hospital after being kicked unconscious in a savage, unprovoked attack.
Mr Deakin, 18, a mechanics student at Newbury College, was assaulted from behind as he walked in the village in the early hours of Saturday.
His distraught mother, Sharon, said: “Joe has Asperger’s Syndrome so he is vulnerable and may not have picked up on any danger signs.
“I want young people in Lambourn to be aware of the risks and to stick together at night.”
The attack has caused an outpouring of sympathy and outrage in the village.
Meanwhile Thames Valley Police have appealed for witnesses.
Mr Deakin was attacked in Close End at around 12.15am on Saturday.
Without warning, he was struck on the head from behind.
The blow sent him reeling to the ground where he was then kicked, punched and stamped on, causing him to lose consciousness.
When Mr Deakin came round he saw a man getting into a car which sped off, with tyres screeching.
He was treated for his injuries at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.
The offender is white, around 6ft tall, and was wearing a long-sleeved top.
Investigating officer, PC Paul Culley based at Newbury police station, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who might have been in the area at the time, and may have seen the assault, or saw a vehicle moving at speed in the Close End area of Lambourn in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“This was a cowardly, violent and unprovoked attack on a young man who had been enjoying a night with friends.
“He was left with a large cut to the back of the head, a black right eye with a cut underneath, a swollen lip and nose, and a cut to the left temple.
“He was treated at hospital but has since been discharged and is recovering at home.”
Mrs Deakin said: “Joe is recovering quickly back at home but is understandably nervous about going out again.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for their kind messages, wishes, thoughts and visits – they have certainly helped Joe smile again.”
Several Lambourn residents took to social media saying that violent incidents in the village were getting worse.
But Mrs Deakin said: “To be honest, we moved to Lambourn so that Joe would have somewhere safe and quiet to grow up in. What happened is truly dreadful but I’ve lived in London and, believe me, it’s worse there.
“Lambourn is still a pretty village and a lovely place to live. The community spirit is wonderful and Joe has lots of friends here.”
If you have any information about the incident, or saw anything suspicious, contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.
Alternatively the independent Crimestoppers charity can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.