A 36-year-old man who left his best friend in a wheelchair, with a severe brain injury and unable to communicate, was jailed for twelve years and nine months.

Kevin Jones, of Bangor Street, Felinheli, Gwynedd, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent to victim Karl Reubins.

Mold Crown Court was told Mr Reubins had been a stand-up comedian and radio broadcaster.

Judge Timothy Petts told Jones: "On July 17 you inflicted a series of punches, kicks and stamps to the body and head of your close friend. It was clearly a sustained, hideous and savage attack.

“You said at the time you thought you had killed him, indeed you must have come very close to doing so. The evidence shows you had assaulted him multiple times when he was on the ground with his head close to the wall.

“He's been left with a serious head injury requiring extensive and ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. It's left him with severe cognitive impairment and post traumatic epilepsy.

"He is unaware of his surroundings and unable to communicate and look after himself. He's only a low chance of improving in the future and it may well be he dies earlier than he would have done.”

Judge Petts added: "You swapped drugs for drink in the run up to this offence.”

Prosecutor Sion ap Mihangel said after causing the devastating injuries, Jones had told a police officer at the scene at Felinheli: "It’s me you want officer.”

Mr Reubins, 35, was a carer and father of three attacked at home.

Defence barrister Richard Edwards said there was genuine remorse and Jones had a troubled upbringing.