A gang of thugs laughed as they beat up a man walking home after a night out, leaving him temporarily blinded.
The cowardly attack happened in Tiverton Road at 11.30pm on July 2 after the man left his brother’s house in Winklebury.
The 24-year-old, who did not want to be named, said the assault had left him terrified of going out alone.
“I had decided to walk home as I know the area quite well,” he said. “All I remember was being hit in the side of the face.
“I could not see anything. I staggered and tried to get my bearings and then I was punched in the head three or four more times. I could hear them laughing – it was as if it was a game to them. It was horrendous what they did.”
The father-of-two, who already had his right arm in plaster because of a broken wrist, said it took him two hours to stagger three miles to his mum’s home in Brighton Hill.
Hospital doctors patched up his severely bruised face and jaw and scanned him for suspected fractures to his eye sockets.
He needed to go to hospital a further seven times for follow-up checks to ensure there was no further bleeding into his eyes.
The victim said: “My partner was really upset by the attack and now she does not want me to out on my own. It has affected the whole family, just because some people were being stupid.
“What’s upset me is my kids had to wake up the next morning and see me like that. That is not fair and no kid should see their father that way.”
The painter and decorator said he now faces a lengthy spell off work as he recovers.
But he said he was thankful that the gang did not target someone more defenceless.
He said: “I never thought this would happen to me. It could of been someone more vulnerable than I am. In a way, I am grateful that it happened to me and not someone elderly or disabled who could have suffered a lot more.
“I have spent years slowly coming out of my shell and getting more confidence, but this has knocked me right back.”
Investigating the incident, PC Marc Oliver of Basingstoke Targeted Patrol Team urged anyone with information about the attack to contact him.
Police believe that up to four people were involved in the attack
PC Oliver said: “This is an unprovoked and senseless attack which could have had serious consequences for the victim.
“These mindless thugs need to be brought to justice and I urge anyone with any information regarding this incident to come forward and speak to the police to help keep their streets safe.”
If you have information, call PC Oliver at Basingstoke police station on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
