But the “naïve, trusting and innocent” pair were lured into a dark alley and beaten up for fun.

Sue Ferrier, prosecuting, told Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court: "What happened beggars belief.

"They were unlucky enough to cross the paths of these men who had been drinking all night and were heavily intoxicated.

"Their two victims were targeted. They were identified because of their particular vulnerabilities.

"They led sheltered lives. They were particularly naive. They did not appreciate they were being lined up with what was to follow - a brutal and sadistic attack."

The soldiers were on a night out from their Army camp at Sennybridge in the Brecon Beacons when they saw the "vulnerable" pair walking home together.

A court heard they began targeting the pair for verbal abuse filming the insults on one of their phones. The court heard then soldiers then took one of their mobile phones to lead them into the alley.