A THUG who launched a brutal and unprovoked attack on a vulnerable man has been jailed for 10 years.

Security cameras showed Joseph Ingham unleashing a prolonged attack on 65-year-old Gerard Regan.

Officers were called by the paramedics at about 5.40am on Friday, December 8, following reports a man had been found with serious injuries on Greenacre Street.

Ingham was arrested by police and later charged.

Mr Regan was to Royal Preston Hospital. He suffered a number of serious injuries including a fractured skull.

Following the attack, police launched a public appeal asking for information in relation to the attack.

Detectives combed the scene for clues and analysed CCTV footage of the incident.

Insp Tim McDermott of Burnley CID said: “This was a brutal attack perpetrated upon a vulnerable defenceless man and sadly left him with serious injuries. He spent a number of weeks in hospital and has been left with injuries which will severely impact his quality of life.

“I would like to extend my thanks to members of the public who came forward with information following our initial appeal. Their support undoubtedly helped us to achieve this sentence.”

Mr Regan's family said: “This Christmas hasn’t been an enjoyable time for us all and we are happy to see the back of 2017. We are solely concentrating on getting him better. It’s a long road but we will get there. We hope the man who did this realises the impact and devastation he has caused.

“We are pleased with the speed at which this has been concluded and also the support we have received from the Police throughout. We are also really happy with the sentence given today.”

Ingham, who pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, was jailed for 10 years at Preston Crown Court and given an extended licence period of four years.

He must also pay the statutory surcharge to fund victim services.