Thug who ruined victim's life is locked up

May 10 2007 By Ross McCarthy, Birmingham Mail

A MAN who carried out a sickening unprovoked street attack on an innocent member of the public in Birmingham, causing him to lose his sight in one eye, has been sent to a young offenders' institution for six years.

Roofer Gary Wilson was described at Birmingham Crown Court as looking like "a rag doll" as his attacker, Dominic Bailey, repeatedly kicked and stamped on him as he lay unconscious on the ground.

Mr Wilson, from Stechford, made a remarkable recovery from terrible injuries but in a statement said the attack had had a devastating effect on his life and he had since been unable to work.

His two young children had been affected by the sight of him and he had changed from being an outgoing and sociable person to someone who was fearful and mistrusting.

Bailey, 20, of Brookvale Road, Erdington, had previously pleaded guilty to charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and assault.

Mr Justice King told him: "Your attack on Mr Wilson was, on the evidence, unprovoked and vicious causing him serious injuries.

"You punched him to the floor and you repeatedly kicked and stamped on him about his head and ribcage when he was unconscious on the ground."

The judge said no real explanation had been given for the attack other than Bailey feeling he may have been verbally abused by the victim.

Mark Haywood, prosecuting, said Mr Wilson had no real memory of the attack which took place after he had left a social club in Station Road, Stechford.

One witness described Bailey continually kicking and stamping on Mr Wilson during the assault.

Mr Wilson was rushed to hospital where he received emergency treatment for fractures to his eye sockets, jaw and nose. The attack also caused swelling to his brain.

Amjad Nawaz, defending, said before the attack Bailey had argued with his mother, was suffering from low self-esteem and had drunk a large amount of alcohol. He said he wished to apologise for his behaviour.