AN assault victim who suffered horrific facial injuries following an attack in Northwich has spoken of his determination to get on with his life.

On Wednesday Kevin Gandy, 51, of Bluebell Close, Winnington, and David Norman Clapton, 21, of Granville Road, Leftwich, were sentenced at Chester Crown Court after they were found guilty of assaulting James Rea Taylor on Beswicks Road last year.

Myles Wilson, prosecuting, described Mr Rea Taylor's injuries as 'horrific' and said the victim could not see properly following the assault on May 28.

He said: "Since the incident he is on edge when going out socialising in case he bumps into the defendants."

Gordon Hennell, defending Clapton, who was convicted of one charge of actual bodily harm, said he had received good character references, adding: "This is somebody who is described by those who know him as generally not being an aggressive person."

Charlotte Atherton, defending Gandy, who was convicted of two charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, said it had caused his mental health to deteriorate and on January 7 he admitted himself to the psychological ward at Leighton Hospital.

She said: "It resulted in a breakdown in his relationship with some family members."

Her Honour Judge Janet Case gave Clapton a nine-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to pay £400 compensation.

Gandy was given a six-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £100 compensation.

Speaking to the Guardian following the sentencing 24-year-old Mr Rea Taylor said he was relieved the court ordeal was over.

He said: "I've not really been out since it happened because I'm terrified of seeing them. The past year getting it to court has been quite traumatic but when the jury found them guilty then that's when I felt justice had been done.

"The worst thing was my kids, who are now two and four, seeing the state of my injuries."

He added: "As time has gone on it has felt a little bit easier but it still always plays on my mind. I'm just not going to let it beat me."