A MAN was battered senseless and suffered a severe brain injury in a row about £45 cash, a court has heard.

His attacker, Neil Somerton, who was jailed for six years, eight months, was said to have shown scant regard for the injuries he inflicted.

After his arrest he told police: “He diddled me out of £45 and that is what he gets. He f***ing deserved it for trying to steal money from me.

“I will do it again if he comes near me.”

Somerton, 50, of Pateley Moor Crescent, Darlington, punched the 27-year-old victim unconscious after he called at his [Somerton’s] flat on the Firth Moor estate and then dragged him out onto the street leaving him there.

Sue Jacobs, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, said the injured party, who spent two months in hospital, had no memory of the attack.

He had been left on crutches, his brain functions were impaired and he was also on medication to prevent him from fitting.

In a victim impact statement the married man said he had to learn to walk again and continued to suffer from painful, frequent headaches.

He said he could not hold a kettle to make a cup of tea and needed help to get in and out of the bath.

The statement said: “This incident has had a life-changing effect on me and my family. I am a recluse and have no wish to leave my house.”

Mrs Jacobs said the two men had argued over money and while it was accepted the victim had swung the first punch, Somerton accepted he had gone beyond self-defence in attacking him.

Carl Swift, mitigating, said Somerton, who admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent on August 17 this year, suffered from mental health difficulties and had completely overreacted.

He said: “He quickly accepted responsibility for what he had done, if not exhibiting any remorse.

“He understands full well that a lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable.”

Jailing Somerton, Judge Howard Crowson said: “This was an appalling attack which left your victim with dreadful injuries and he still has continuing problems.”

The judge said the assault was not pre-meditated, but it was sustained and had a substantial lasting effect on the victim.

Judge Crowson said the starting point for the assault was a ten year sentence, which was cut by a third because of Somerton’s guilty plea.