Cyclist Left Brain-Damaged By Unprovoked Attack

Two young thugs who left a cyclist permanently brain-damaged after mistaking him for a paedophile and clubbing him to the ground were caged today for the "sickening" attack.

Portugal-born father-of-two Filipe Nunes David, 40, had the left side of his skull removed by doctors who were forced to perform a partial lobotomy following the brutal assault with woodden tree stakes.

Ringleader Brett Carslake, 20, (pic.l) of Fendall Road, Epsom, Surrey pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, with intent, to Mr. David in Cox Lane, Ewell on August 18, last year and was sentenced to a five-year minimum term for public protection - equivalent to ten years custody.

Jamie Bailey, 17, (pic.mid.) of Watersedge Estate, Watersedge, Ewell received five years' custody for the same offence.

A third defendant, student Frank Miller, 17, (pic.r.) of Cumberland Close, Ewell, who did not strike the victim, but did force him from his bike must complete a two-year intensive supervision and surveillance programme after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm.

"This was a brutal and unprovoked attack on Mr. David who was cycling along the road," Recorder Simon Oliver told the defendants at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

"The three of you involved yourselves in extreme and gratuitous violence. The attack was so serious and injuries so severe he was unable to remember it or provide a statement and needs full-time medical help."

Mr. David, (pictured) who needed emergency brain surgery and was in a coma for two weeks and in critical condition for a further three needs help washing and dressing himself, walking outside, upstairs and performing simple everyday tasks.

"We know Mr. David has a depression in his skull, we can see it," added Recorder Oliver telling the defendants: "I hope his appearance leaves you with a sick feeling in your stomachs. He's very lucky to be alive."

The group - fuelled by drink and drugs - were seen "celebrating" the attack and waving one of the heavy tree stakes in the air like a "trophy" as Mr. David, who has a son Victor, 2 and a daughter Jessica, 6, lay bleeding in the middle of the road.

"You were boasting of your actions, celebrating what you did. I find that sickening," added Recorder Oliver. "For you to consider taking anything into your own hands was appalling. Nothing whatsoever supported the rumour Mr. David was a paedophile."

Prosecutor Mr. Richard Jory said: "Mr. David will bear the physical and mental consequences for the rest of his life.

"He was left bleeding in the road and there was no remourse from the defendants who were part of a group celebrating in a nearby street shortly afterwards."

Cleaner Mr. David was waiting for his wife and kids to return home on the Watersedge Estate when ambushed by the trio.

"Jamie Bailey struck Mr. David to the head and there was an audible bang on impact. Brett Carslake used both hands to pull the length of wood over his shoulder and swung at Mr. David's head with full force. There was a loud impact."

Mr. David who pleaded "why me" after the first blow then had his packet of cigarettes taken by Bailey as he lay in a pool of blood, also suffering from a brain haemorrage, multiple fractures around his eyes and bleeding from his nose and mouth.

Victorious shouts of: "We've done it. We've beaten the paedophile," were heard by witnesses.

"They were excited and exhilarated and were showing off," added Mr. Jory. "One was holding the piece of wood and waving it about like a trophy."

One witness told police Carslake, who has a history of violence, and had been bailed by a local court earlier that day even wanted to return and club Mr. David again, but was restrained by members of the group.

Mr. David bravely attended court with the assistance of two nurses. "He remains grossly disfigured by the attack," added Mr. Jory.

Probation branded scaffolder Carslake as a "high risk" to the public who's only concern after the attack was how long he would be in custody, showing no remourse for Mr. David.

"You have destroyed this man. He is still missing a large part of his skull and brain," Recorder Oliver told the trio, telling Carslake: "You are a dangerous, vicious man and we need to stop you at once."

Partner Helena Sousa, 23, said: "Filipe was a good father, but since the attack most of the time he doesn't recognise us. I am now mother and father to our children and it's been really hard."