A SCHOOLBOY suffered horrific head injuries when he was repeatedly kicked in the face by two thugs because he spurned the advances of a young admirer.

Doctors are still unable to tell whether 14-year-old Karl Leighton will be left permanently brain damaged by the attack, which happened last September.

Yesterday, at Newcastle Crown Court, his 18-year-old attackers, Daniel Robinson, from Park Street South, and Steven Webster, of Cramlington Road, both Sunderland, were each jailed for nine years.

The court heard the pair, who were friends of the spurned girl, said Karl had been "torturing or tormenting" her by his responses towards her.

The pair gave him a savage street beating which left the youngster frothing at the mouth and lying in a pool of blood.

The court heard that Karl was chased along Cranberry Road, in the Hylton Castle area of Sunderland, after dodging a pint glass thrown by the pair.

But the 18-year-olds managed to catch up with him, as others watched the attack in horror.

John Evans, prosecuting, told the court that while Webster had Karl in a headlock, Robinson kicked the screaming teenager three or four times in the face, continuing to land blows and kicks even after he slumped motionless to the floor.

Part of the younger boy's ear was also bitten off in the attack.

Karl was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital before being transferred to Newcastle General's neurosurgery department.

He has been able to resume his studies but is still not over the attack.

Webster and Robinson both pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and Robinson admitted an assault on Karl's young friend.

Defence barristers said the pair felt "genuine remorse" for the attack.