A MAN brutally attacked his pal with a broom handle and set his bed alight in retribution for allegedly being grabbed in the groin.

John Jones laid into 54-year-old Kevin Wood as the victim was in a bedroom at his Chorley New Road, Horwich, home.

Nicola Carroll, prosecuting, told Bolton Crown Court that in a “brutal and sustained” 45 minute attack Jones beat Mr Wood so badly that his spine was fractured and the broom handle used broke.

Jones even set fire to the bed as Mr Wood lay in it, the flames being put out by the victim.

When he finally ended the assault Jones went back into the living room to watch television before leaving the property the following day, locking Mr Wood inside. Jones, aged 35, of Mesnes Park Terrace, Wigan, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and was jailed for 14 months.

The court heard that Jones and Mr Wood had been friends for 10 years.

On July 23 last year Jones was staying at Mr Wood’s home and the pair spent the evening watching television, drinking and taking Spice.

At one point, Jones claimed, he was shocked and upset when his groin was grabbed. Later, after Mr Wood had gone to bed, Jones entered the bedroom carrying a broom and knives and attacked him.

“He was hit over the head an body with significant force such that it caused the broom handle to snap,” said Miss Carroll.

“The victim was begging for mercy throughout and was completely defenceless.

“The defendant stopped the attack, presumably when he thought the lesson had been taught, and went back to the living room to watch TV.”

Mr Wood was discovered the next day by a caller to his home and spent five days in hospital being treated for a fractured spine, lacerations to his head and cuts and bruises.

Nicholas Ross, defending, said Jones had expressed regret over the incident adding: “It is a very unusual case with, in my submission, some very significant mitigation.” A restraining order was made banning Jones from contacting his victim.