A WITNESS to a robbery in Witney told a jury he saw a man kicking a 15-year-old “like a football” as he lay on the ground.

Benjamin Oates, of Pooles Lane, Charlbury, is on trial at Oxford Crown Court accused of robbing the teenager – who cannot be named for legal reasons – on July 20 last year.

The 21-year-old denies the allegation that, together with two other men, he was involved in beating up the boy and stealing his mobile phone and keys.

Thomas Alcock, 22, also of Pooles Lane, has already admitted the crime and was sentenced in March this year.

Christopher Hewertson, prosecuting, said the alleged attack took place outside The Carpenter’s Arms pub in Newland, Witney, at about 11.40pm.

Jude Miranda, a witness to the robbery who gave evidence yesterday, said he walked out of the pub and saw a teenager lying on the ground.

He said: “The three other lads were over him and I saw one of them kicking him like a football. The lad on the floor was curled up in a ball in a foetal position.”

Mr Hewertson told the jury: “The prosecution say that you can be sure that (Oates) participated in and supported the robbery.

“In particular supported the actions of Thomas Alcock by dealing physical blows and taking things from him (the victim). At the very least he encouraged Mr Alcock – he was extremely close, standing over the top of (the victim) while Mr Alcock was assaulting him.”

The trial continues.