A MAN who viciously attacked the son of a Worcestershire parish council clerk, leaving him in a coma, has been locked up for five years.

Joseph Barrett was found guilty of grievous bodily harm on Jonathon Gurney, following a four-day trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

The 22-year-old's victim has still not made a full recovery from the extensive head injuries he received.

Roger Gurney, Jonathon's father and clerk of Charlton parish council, near Evesham, said he was making good progress, but was still receiving speech therapy and physiotherapy.

"We're just very relieved it's all over, and the fact he was convicted has made us quite elated," said Mr Gurney, of Powick, who was at the trial with his family and welcomed the sentence.

"The conviction has given Jonathon a real boost. He has been telling all his friends and other people about it. Everyone has said how pleased they are with how it has turned out."

Jonathon was found unconscious on a South London street by a passer-by in September last year.

His family began a bedside vigil at Tooting's St George's hospital where he lay in a coma.

Det Sgt Kevin Young, who led the hunt for Barrett, welcomed the verdict.

He revealed the person who found Jonathon in the street would be given a commendation.

"This was a complicated investigation to establish what happened in the hour between Jonathon leaving the pub and the time he was found," he said.

"I'm pleased this man's been sentenced to a significant term of imprisonment as the attack on Jonathon was vicious and he was left unconscious in the street.

"Our thoughts at this time are with Jonathon and his family, and we wish him well in his continuing recovery."