Race attack teenagers literally scared sailor to death

Three drunk teenagers who boasted they wanted to “beat up a Paki” pleaded guilty yesterday to killing an Indian sailor who was literally scared to death.

Gregory Fernandes, 32, was out for a drink with his friend n October 20 2007 when he was pounced on by the gang aged between 14 and 17 in Fawley, Hampshire.

Yesterday at Winchester Crown Court, Chay Fields, now 16, Stephen Pritchard, now 18 and Daniel Rogers, now 18, all from Fawley, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Fernandes.

Rogers also admitted violent disorder.

Speaking after the case, Detective Inspector Dave Dilly said: “Mr Fernandes suffered heart failure brought on by the stress of the attack.

“He was having a drink and then a takeaway and there were lots of youths hanging around who had been drinking. Some part of that group chased him and his friend up the road and set upon him.

“A member of the public, Jody Miles, intervened and rescued Mr Fernandes, put him in his car and drove him to Fawley refinery. He then went back to help his friend. But within seconds of being dropped off at the front gate, Mr Fernandes dropped down dead from heart failure brought on by the attack.

Nigel Pascoe QC, prosecuting, said the attack did not severely injure Fernandes who suffered only a broken tooth, but the pleas indicated the “very serious responsibility” of the trio in his death.

The three had faced a murder charge, which they denied, and prosecution accepted the lesser count.

The judge, Mr Justice Royce ordered pre-sentence reports on all five, who will be sentenced next month. The three who admitted killing Fernandes were remanded in custody.