Three men jailed for 'unprovoked attack' (From Free Press Series)

Three men jailed for 'unprovoked attack'

Three Gwent men were jailed on Friday for a total of 14 years after they nearly kicked and stamped a man to death in an unprovoked attack in February.

Dafydd Morgan, 35, spent nearly a month in intensive care after he was attacked by they trio outside his flat in Pontnewynydd, Pontypool.

Christopher Probert, aged 23, of Manor Road, Abersychan, Simon Probert, aged 25, of South Court, George Street, Pontnewynydd and Jamie Dunne, aged 22, of Hardy Court, George Street, Pontnewynydd, appeared for sentence at Newport crown court.

All three had admitted wounding with intent.

Prosecutor Tracey Lloyd-Nesling said the trio were drinking in Pontypool when they threw bottles at Mr Morgan's flat.

She said Mr Morgan, a "man of good character" suffered from a number of ailments, including epilepsy, confronted them with a carving knife.

He had previously complained to the police about anti-social behaviour. She said two of the men jumped on his back and the third kicked the knife out of his hand.

"Mr Morgan was taken to the floor and all three kicked and stamped on him."

One was heard to say at the end of the attack: "I think he's dead."

Mr Morgan suffered "life-threatening injuries" and "was in intensive care for three weeks, two of which he was unconscious."

Meirion Davies, mitigating for Simon Probert, said his client was remorseful.

Elizabeth Pearson, for Christopher Probert, said he told her his actions were "completely out of character and gutless".

Richard Ace, for Dunne, said he had suffered violence at home and was taken into care at a young age.

Judge Christopher Morton jailed each defendant for four years and eight months.