Two Lithuanian men have been jailed for a total of 28 years following a horrific assault on another Lithuanian man in Byram near Selby.
Povilas Cerskus, 24 and Vincas Baltrusaitis, 28, pleaded guilty on 14 June to two counts each of causing grievous bodily harm. They were each sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment yesterday (14 July 2011).
Their guilty pleas came two days into their trial once the victim had travelled to the UK to give evidence.
The pair were responsible for the systematic beating and setting fire to another Lithuanian man, 30-year-old Nerijus Skerys.
The victim came to the UK in September 2010 and lived with a number of people including Cerskus and Baltrusaitis in Byram near Selby.
Between October 2010 and 19 December 2010 they both subjected Mr Skerys to several attacks during which he was severely beaten and on two occasions had kerosene poured on to parts of his body and set alight.
When Mr Skerys was discovered by police officers on 20 December 2010, he had suffered 17% burns to his body including his groin, hands and legs. As well as multiple fractures to his face, nose and neck and severe bruising to his face and body.
He has been left with severe and painful scarring which will remain with him as a constant reminder of the horror of the events which took place.
DC Sarah Bullock of York CID led the investigation into the attack and was formally thanked by Judge Steven Ashurst who praised her for her efforts in bringing the case to justice and ensuring that the victim, who had left the UK, attended court.
DC Sarah Bullock of York CID led the investigation into the attack and was formally thanked by Judge Steven Ashurst who praised her for her efforts in bringing the case to justice and ensuring that the victim, who had left the UK, attended court.
DC Bullock said: “This is a horrific case in which the victim was severely beaten and burnt by his house mates. The offence was aggravated by the fact that the victim was stripped and bound naked to a chair and left without medical treatment or attention.
“The victim suffered excruciating physical pain which was left untreated for days. This is undoubtedly one of the worst cases of physical abuse I have ever witnessed.
“The sentences reflect the trauma which the victim suffered at the hands of these two violent and sadistic men who showed no care or compassion for the victim’s suffering.”
Detective Chief Inspector Heather Pearson who heads York and Selby CID added: “We hope that the victim can find some comfort from the fact that the UK police and criminal justice system has ensured justice has been served following a very thorough and professional investigation.”
