The family of a man left with permanent head injuries following a brutal and sadistic attack have spoken of their anguish.
Brain Norlund suffered multiple bleeds on the brain, permanent disfigurement and scars after he had his head kicked and stamped on by his partner's drug addict son.
Alex Ibbetson was branded 'sadistic' as a judge as he was jailed for 24 years with another 5 years on extended licence after he pleaded guilty to attempted murder.
The attack, which was captured on CCTV, was too distressing to be shown at Teesside Crown Court as the 34-year-old was jailed.
The judge heard how Mr Norlund has suffered loss of memory and he has had to learn to walk again. His speech is affected, he has anxiety and panic attacks, and it is unclear to what extent he will recover.
In a victim impact statement provided to the court, Mr Norlund’s family said: “He is the one who has been dealt a life sentence following this horrendous attack. He will never be the same again – it’s a life changing injury, both physically and mentally.
“Both his children spent all day every day for the initial two weeks by his bedside, waiting for signs of response.
“The hardest thing to come to terms with is that we don’t know what the future looks like. We’re at the very beginning of a journey that will last the rest of his life and there are many challenges and obstacles ahead.
"We don’t know to what extent we’ll get the dad we know back. To see him like he currently is, is heartbreaking for us all.
"He is extremely vulnerable and completely reliant on the care of others which, for a previously very independent and strong person, is really difficult to see.”
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Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Michaela Sanderson, of Cleveland Police, said: “This was a horrendous attack which has led to the victim being left with life-changing injuries, and sadly it’s unclear if he will ever fully recover.
“Ibbetson carried out an unprovoked and prolonged attack. He proved that he is a danger to the public and I am pleased that he is now in jail, where he cannot harm anyone else.
“I have seen what a significant impact this has had on Mr NorIund and his family. I hope that today’s outcome brings some comfort to them, and I would like to commend them for their patience and dignity throughout this investigation and court process.
"I wish Mr Norlund the best of luck as he navigates his recovery.”
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