A PRINCETOWN man has been jailed for five and a half years after he left his friend with permanent brain damage by stamping on his head in a fit of anger.

Plymouth Crown Court last Friday heard witnesses describe the sickening crack of bones as Robert McDonough, 40, of Hessary Terrace, attacked Leslie Howard at a bus stop in Tavistock on June 21.

As a result of the assault Mr Howard cannot walk without help, has trouble talking, suffers frequent migraines and has problems with his sight.

McDonough, who pleaded guilty to GBH with intent, attacked Mr Howard as he waited for a bus in Tavistock, the court heard.

Jo Martin, prosecuting, told the court the girlfriend of McDonough?s son had had a stillborn child two days before the incident.

On the day of the attack he had been drinking all day and, Mrs Martin said, McDonough had been told that Mr Howard had been passing insulting remarks about him and the mother of the baby.

Witnesses to the attack said they saw McDonough walk up to his victim and shout aggressively at him. The court then heard that he punched Mr Howard in the face up to four or five times.

The force of the punches led to Mr Howard falling to the ground and McDonough then stamped on his head until he was pulled away by his wife.

When McDonough went to get on the bus he also threatened a witness with violence, the court heard.

Mr Howard did nothing in response to McDonough?s actions, other then to try to cover his head with his hands. He is now in the Rowan Rehabilitation Unit at Derriford Hospital.

Defence barrister Malcolm Clarke said McDonough ?deeply regretted? his actions.

?He saw the victim and just saw red,? he told the court. ?He was not in control of his actions.?

Mr Clarke said if McDonough had not been drinking he believed the consequences would have been very different.

?This will affect his family and of course his son.?

The court heard Mr Howard now needs two people to help him walk, has a speech impediment and suffers migraines. He has also partially lost his sight.

Judge William Taylor said due to the severity of the injuries incurred by Mr Howard he could only consider a custodial sentence.

?The force of the blow forced him to the ground and then you stamped on his head,? he said. ?Bystanders heard the sickening sound of the breaking of bones.

?I give you credit for your co-operation with the police and also accept that your wife has mental and physical problems and relies on you.

?However, in a moment of anger you have left a man permanently brain damaged and only a custodial sentence can justify these actions.?