A DISABLED man who was repeatedly punched and mugged after being ambushed in Chelmsford has appealed to his attackers.

Richard Kennedy, 26, who suffers brain damage, says he was set upon by five balaclava clad teenagers who threatened to kill him in an unprovoked attack.

The assault happened as the ex-St Peters College student walked from Central Park through the underpass towards Parkway near the railway viaduct at about 11.45am on Monday, February 13.

Mr Kennedy, who used to live in Great Baddow but now lives in Harlow, said: “I was lying on the floor face down, and they were telling me they would kill me if I fought back.

“How was I meant to fight back if I was lying on my front?

“They punched me in the head, stomach and chest.

“I do feel a bit more nervous walking down the street now, I’m more frightened than anxious. I’m not supposed to get stressed.”

Mr Kennedy, who is registered disabled, suffered irreparable damage to his frontal lobe following a city centre assault six years ago.

The Food Bank volunteer was attacked in Dukes Nightclub in Dukes Street, and is prone to suffering frightening seizures when under stress.

He underwent more than four years of treatment at Broomfield Hospital.

He continued: “I only stopped receiving treatment just over two years ago, and now this.

“They need to stop the crime and go out and get jobs or careers, they need to follow their dreams.

“You can’t go around doing this to people for money.”

Mr Kennedy was meeting a friend in Central Park after visiting the Essex County Council offices in Market Road.

He assumed people behind him were joggers, however, they dragged him to the floor from behind before assaulting him.

The suspects, dressed in black and believed to be in their late teens, stole £85, and were seen fleeing back into the park.

He continued: “I don’t want to scare people, but I would advise people to be careful and always carry a phone with you in case something like this happens.”

Essex Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dc Simon Gray at Chelmsford Police Station on 101 quoting incident 344 of 13/02 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.