A MAN who left his Blackburn brother-in-law in a wheelchair after a ‘cowardly’ attack has been jailed for more than three years.

James Patterson, 51, was ‘robbed of the enjoyment of the rest of his life’ as a result of the brain injuries he sustained at the hands of Thomas Haggan eight months ago.

Mr Patterson has still not regained full use of his limbs, cannot dress himself and has slurred speech.

He was also left with no recollection of what happened to him and believes he has been in a car crash.

Haggan, of Waterloo Road, Blackpool, previously pleaded guilty to section 20 wounding charge.

Medical evidence presented to Preston Crown Court yesterday suggested that 30-year-old Haggan hit Mr Patterson between two and four times during the attack at a house in Formby Close, Highercroft, Blackburn, on January 17 this year.

Haggan - at the time subject to a suspended sentence for a stabbing - was visiting relatives and has asked to see his sister who was married to Mr Patterson’s brother.

The court heard that after arriving at the address Haggan, who had been drinking earlier, told Mr Patterson he wanted a word and the pair went into the kitchen.

Relatives of the two then heard raised voices and a bang, Haggan left the house leaving Mr Patterson lying on the floor unconscious.

His family tried to revive him but had to call for an ambulance.

Mr Patterson first went to Royal Blackburn Hospital then transferred to Preston where he was in a coma for several days.

He was later moved to a rehab unit in Nelson and is now at a special care unit at Burnley General Hospital.

Prosecuting Philip Holden said: “Eight months on and he has slurred speech and his mobility is restricted to a wheelchair.

“He speaks of his frustration and anger of his condition.”

Mr Patterson has been unable to give an account of what happened to him and Haggan refused to comment during to police interview.

Defending Joe Boyd said that Haggan maintained that Mr Patterson hit him first.

He added: “He thought he was going to be attacked and over reacted.

“Clearly this is a very serious matter and his regret is genuine and sincere.”

Judge Stuart Baker sentenced Haggan to 32 months for the attack on Mr Patterson and ordered that it should be served consecutively with the 12 month sentence suspended in 2007 for the stabbing.

Judge Baker said: “Mr Patterson’s injuries are pitiful and it is highly unlikely that the man will ever recover his normal and full faculties. You have robbed him of the enjoyment of the rest of his life.”

Welcoming the sentence DS Allen Davies, from Blackburn police, said: “This is a good result for James who has clearly seen a reduction in the quality of his life.”