The savagery of a street attack in Darlington is highlighted by a video which can been viewed tonight on The Northern Echo's website (www.northernecho.co.uk)

I thought long and hard about whether it was right to show the disturbing CCTV footage which was obtained from Durham Police.

But I posted the video, with a warning about its graphic content, because I think it contributes to the public debate surrounding the sentencing of those who commit acts of serious violence.

From watching the video, it is clear to see that the two thugs involved, Simon Taylor, 31, and Ryan Piggford, 28, could easily have killed 22-year-old Jason Waters in the drink-fuelled attack.

So reckless were they with their repeated punches and kicks to the head that it is only by good fortune that they are not now serving life sentences for murder.

Indeed, had it not been for the courage of passer-by Aimee Yule, who stepped in while others turned a blind eye, the victim would surely have suffered from a further beating.

Sentencing rules mean that Taylor and Piggford were each jailed for less than five years for grievous bodily harm. They will, of course, serve significantly less than that.

I for one don't relish the thought of them being back on the streets so soon.

Shocking though it is, I believe that showing the video is justified by the serious questions this sickening episode raises about crime, punishment and the growing dangers of alcohol abuse.