THE victim of a savage attack has slammed the justice system after meeting one of his assailants in the street after he was released only two months into a nine-month prison term.

Mark Bates, of Saltburn, east Cleveland, and his elderly father, Graham, were beaten in an unprovoked attack by two drunken yobs as they drove home late at night.

David Bendall, of Lingdale Grove, Dormanstown, admitted two charges of actual bodily harm, and Michael Johnson, of Mersey Road, in Redcar, admitted one charge of actual bodily harm at Teesside Crown Court in March.

The pair were jailed for nine months But now Johnson has been released on licence after two-and-a-half months, leaving Mark Bates, 41, furious.

He said: “I was riding my horse in New Marske the other day when I saw him staring back at me in the street. I couldn’t believe it. I was so shocked that no one had bothered to tell me he was out.

“It is absolutely ludicrous that victims of crime are not told what is going on, especially in cases like this one.

“I was told by the prosecution barrister that he would serve at least half of his sentence.

“I told my father and he was shocked. The attack happened more than a year ago, but it is still affecting him. I’ve noticed a change in him and he doesn’t go out as much now.

“I think he bottles it up, instead of talking about it.”

The attack happened when Mr Bates Senior, 67, picked up his son and his partner from the Ship Inn, in Marske, just after midnight on March 8, last year They were driving along Longbeck Road, towards New Marske when a man stood in the road waving his arms urging them to stop.

Mark Bates was knocked out after being punched to the ground.

He came round to see his father being kicked and punched.

They both suffered swelling and bruising and needed hospital treatment.

Mr Bates said: “I have had counselling and I still think about it everyday.

“I am extremely angry – the whole thing leaves me feeling bitter beyond belief.

“I don’t drive down that road at night now and I am scared when I see groups of youths. It has affected my confidence.

“What is the point in the justice system if it is not enforced?”

A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said they could not comment on individual cases.