THE young owner of a mini-scooter used to batter a York father-of-two had the "cheek" to twice return to his house to ask for it back.

But attack victim Doug Unwin said this was in stark contrast to another youth who turned up on his doorstep to apologise for the shocking incident.

The 57-year-old was scarred for life after being smashed in the head with the scooter by a young thug and punched in the face by another.

He suffered a three-inch gash on his forehead that needed ten stitches.

About 20 teenagers had gathered outside his house in Kingswood Grove, Acomb, York, and started swearing and insulting him when he asked one of them to stop leaning on his hedge.

Mr Unwin said the scooter's owner, who was part of the group, but not involved in the violence, returned to his house only hours after the attack to ask for it back and again the next day.

"I couldn't believe it," he said.

"He showed no regret about what happened. I told him the scooter had been taken away by the police for evidence."

But Mr Unwin, who has a photography business, says his faith was restored by another member of the group returning to the scene to give him a heartfelt apology.

"He apologised and was really regretful even though he was not involved in the actual attack," he said.

"He promised me and, more importantly, his mother, that he wouldn't get involved with this group again.

"It meant a great deal to me. I told him he was a brave lad to come round and see me and that I appreciated it."

York police are still investigating the incident.

Anyone with information should contact them on 01904 631321.

Updated: 09:37 Saturday, October 25, 2003