A MAN who left his victim with life-threatening brain injuries after a violent attack has been jailed.

Dean Ward, 30, of Bell Street, Stanley, sent his victim threatening messages before launching the attack at a nightclub in Consett.

The victim was enjoying a night out with friends in May last year when Ward approached him and threw his first punch.

Door staff managed to intervene, however Ward followed the victim out of the pub and punched him once again causing him to fall backwards onto the road.

The victim was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary with life-threatening brain injuries.

He remained there for three weeks and underwent an emergency operation on his brain.

In an impact statement read out in court, the victim said: “The injuries I sustained and the treatment required to help me recover is still affecting me.

“To keep me alive I had to undergo brain surgery which required a large portion of my skull to be removed to alleviate pressure.

"The shape of my head as a whole has now changed and it will never look as it was before the incident.

“Overall my outlook on life has changed. I am now very pessimistic about what my future holds.”

Ward pleaded guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm and was handed a three year custodial sentence at Durham Crown Court on Friday.

Acting Detective Sergeant Mal Ord, from Consett, CID said: “This case in particular showed the devastating consequences of a one-punch attack - one moment of aggression can have a life-long impact.

“This was a tragic and senseless incident.

"Thankfully, the victim is now recovering from the ordeal and is showing incredible strength.

“He can now rest knowing his attacker is behind bars.”