THE mother of Henry Webster has criticised Ridgeway School for making no "efforts to assist" her family after the "wholly avoidable" assault on her son.

Henry 17, from Wroughton, was attacked on the tennis courts at the school in January last year. He suffered three skull fractures, one of which caused brain injury and needed surgery.

Four teenagers - Wasif Khan, 18, Amjad Qazi, 19, and two boys, 15 and 16, who cannot be named - were found guilty of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at Bristol Crown Court on February 14.

Nazrul Amin, 19, and two other youngsters aged 15 and 16 admitted the same charge.

The convictions were made public today after Judge Carol Hagen agreed to lift reporting restrictions she had implemented when the jury returned its verdict.

Mrs Webster made a statement on behalf of the family on the steps of Bristol Crown Court.

Joined by partner Roger Durnford and Det Sgt Mark Wilkinson, she said Ridgeway School should have been a safe, secure environment.

She said: "This attack was not an isolated incident, it was a culmination of events. This hideous crime which has touched and affected so many young lives was wholly avoidable.

"That school has at no time made any efforts to assist us and my son's life and future prospects have been devastated.

"No parent should have to endure the heartache of their child being subjected to such horrifying violence while at school - in what should be an entirely safe and secure environment.

"And no child should have to experience any of the utter terror and pain my son suffered on what should have been an ordinary day in the protective surroundings of school."

A second trial started this week. Kamren Khan, 19, Javed Khan, 20, Mizanur Rahman, 18, Roubel Meah, 20, Aqduss Rau, 18, Bilal Yaqub, 18, Mabob Ali, 18, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, are appearing at Bristol Crown Court in connection with the attack.