A man lost his eyesight after a teacher kicked him hard in the face while he was lying on the floor.
The victim, who was the partner of the man's ex, lost vision in his left eye. Liam Power, 29, was convicted of wounding with intent when he kicked Joseph Ryan in the face when he was lying on the floor after an altercation.
The court heard that Power, of Elaine Street, Toxteth, kicked the victim so hard his vision had been significantly damaged - leading to difficulties in his work. Prosecutor, Jamie Baxter, said that Mr Ryan’s left eye was “badly damaged” in the attack and struggles “lining things up” in his day job fitting carpets, adding that he “can’t do the job anymore.”
Read more: Police question man over spate of 'random' knife attacks in north Manchester
The court heard how the attack was the result of a “disagreement” between Power and his ex-partner. Mr Ryan, the ex’s new partner, went round to Power’s address with his brother following the disagreement.
After remonstrating with Mr Ryan’s brother, Power then attacked the victim in the street, calling on a group of males to join in and help. When on the floor following the attack, Power then kicked Mr Ryan in the face, delivering the blow that badly damaged his left eye and subsequent eyesight. Mr Baxter described the altercation as “a prolonged and persistent attack.”
At the time of the attack Power was on bail for an alleged common assault a few months earlier, reports the ECHO. Power denied the charges relating to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Ryan but was found guilty after trial in September.
Two victim statements read out by Mr Baxter explained how the damage to Mr Ryan’s left eye is now starting to “affect his good eye”. It was added that the damaged eye no longer has full movement with the pupil permanently dilated.
Defending, Brendan Carville, said Power had “no planning or premeditation” to the attack, and was said to have played “a lesser role" in it "until the end”. Explaining how Power was a teacher, Mr Carville said he’d gained a number of degrees, including a Master's.
Power had been working as a shop worker since the attack and was described by Mr Carville as a “decent man generally.” Hearing the case, Judge Brian Cummings KC said Power “didn’t set out for the victim” as he and his brother “came to your address”, but noted how Mr Ryan “didn’t do anything” before the attack.
He added: “You have brought it on yourself and you must deal with the consequences you have caused others.”
Power was sentenced to two and half years in prison for inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Read next:
- Disabled army veteran slams path that's 'bane of his life'
- A day of chaos: Liz Truss bows out after just 44 days in office with Boris Johnson planning remarkable return to No 10
- Woman tried to set neighbour's flat on fire after decade long dispute
- Man asks popular restaurant to write 'Will you marry me?' inside PIZZA BOX in proposal to girlfriend
