A former TV boss was attacked before being kidnapped and dumped by an ex-convict he had befriended ten years earlier.

Peter Moth, 63, who used to be director of broadcasting at Tyne Tees, was left with his leg fractured in five places, two broken ribs and cuts and bruises after he was attacked by Mark Frizell.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the pair struck up an unlikely friendship when Frizell, 27, applied for a flat to the Salvation Army committee on which Mr Moth sat.

They remained friends despite Frizell serving two jail sentences, spanning eight years for blackmail, grievous bodily harm and robbery and later false imprisonment with intent to rob.

Mr Moth, now a minister at St, Andrew's United Reform Church, Newcastle, bought Frizell a flat, allowed him to use his car, and promised him access to a farmhouse in northern France.

Prosecutor Robert Woodcock told the court how Mr Moth "lavished attention and kindness upon Frizell, wherever and whatsoever he needed".

He even conducted Frizell's wedding last year.

However, on June 26 last year, his kindness was repaid with a "savage, brutal and barbaric attack."

Mr Woodcock told the court how Mr Moth had agreed to chauffeur Frizell and his friends on a night out, and, at 3am, was told to pick them up.

He drove Frizell and his accomplice, Gary Knotts, 31, to Frizell's home in Kenton, Newcastle, before he was savagely attacked by Frizell, while Knotts waited in the car.

The former executive was taken to hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. He spent almost a day in the operating theatre and was so badly injured his wounds have not yet healed.

Frizell and Knotts initially denied taking part in the attack, but in December they pleaded guilty to kidnap. Frizell admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent to cause serious injury.

Defence barrister John Lowe said Frizell felt remorse for what he done. He said: "It was of the moment, in the heat of the moment. He cannot explain what he did."

Peter Schofield, for Knotts said: "He feels ashamed. He makes to Mr Moth a clear apology."

Frizell, of Kerverne Square, Kenton, Newcastle, was jailed for ten years, with an extended period of two years, and Knotts, of Ladywell Road, Winlaton, Gateshead, was jailed for three-and-a-half years for his part in the attack.

Mr Moth refused to comment after the hearing