A MAN is seriously ill in hospital after he was savagely beaten up.

If Patrick "Paddy" Stephenson, 34, survives, he will need 24-hour care for the rest of his life.

He is in no position to tell detectives what happened to him and those who know who was responsible have closed ranks in the neighbourhood of St Hilda's, Middlesbrough.

Detective Inspector Derek Carter said last night: "People in the community know who is responsible for this, but a climate of fear has created a wall of silence.

"Paddy didn't deserve what happened to him, left lying in hospital bed. He was already partially disabled, but now faces an uncertain future needing full-time care.

"I am asking those people who know who did this to Paddy to search their consciences and come to speak to me, in confidence if necessary, and tell us what happened."

Mr Stephenson was beaten unconscious outside the Ship Inn, Stockton Street, in the early hours of Saturday, March 13.

He was taken in a coma to the town's James Cook University Hospital where he is in a critical but stable condition.

Posters are being placed at key locations by Cleveland Police in a desperate bid to draw information.

Mr Stephenson's uncle, Jack Stephenson, 61, said: "He's full of tubes and lying in a hospital bed. He can't speak, but his eyes follow you. Whether he will fully recover, we just don't know. People are afraid of speaking out in case they are labelled a grass.

"Paddy is well known in St Hilda's. A brain tumour some years ago left him disabled.''

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Middlesbrough police on (01642) 303126 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.