A MAN from Basildon was part of a vicious gang who subjected their victim to a violent and unprovoked attack on the Tube.

Lee Gavin, 20, of Hazel Close, Basildon, was locked up for 21 months in a young offenders’ institute after he and three pals randomly attacked a fellow passenger in the early hours of January 5.

Danny O’Keefe, 19, of Barley Lane, Goodmayes, was sentenced to 18 months in a young offenders’ institute.

Two 17-year-olds, from Romford and Goodmayes, were both handed 12-month detention and training orders.

The court heard the victim, a 26-year-old man from Waltham Forest, was travelling on an eastbound Central Line train when the group boarded the carriage at Tottenham Court Road.

During the journey one of the gang grabbed the victim around the throat, pushing him off his seat on to the floor.

The rest of the group then began to hit and kick him, before fleeing at Bank station.

Police were called and Browne and Curtis O’Keefe were arrested at the Tube station, while the others were arrested nearby. The group were sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court.

O’Keefe and the two youngsters were found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following a trial.

Gavin changed his plea to guilty during the trial.

Speaking after the sentencing, Det Con Dick Mortimer, the investigating officer, said: “This was a callous and completely unprovoked attack, which left the victim suffering from a dislocated shoulder and severe bruising to his face and head.

“The victim stood absolutely no chance of defending himself against a pack of individuals who randomly targeted him on the Tube.

“The behaviour of this group, who were influenced by alcohol, was completely unacceptable and I hope their sentences send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated on the London Underground network.”