The judge branded the gang "depraved, sadistic, brutal and evil."
Judge Jonathan Durham Hall also told Andrew Law, 18, Jonathan Jackson, 19, and Andrew Gorton, 21, that legislation meant – "with regret" – he could not pass life sentences.

The three, all from Todmorden, had been drinking heavily and ambushed cerebral palsy sufferer Damien Shepherd "for fun."

They pounced on the 43-year-old in Burnley Road, Todmorden, and launched a sickening attack that has left him with a brain injury and in a wheelchair.

Nadim Bashir, prosecuting, said he was pushed to the ground then dragged out of sight and given a "severe kicking".

Mr Shepherd, unconcious and covered in blood, was taken to hospital, where he spent a month in intensive care.

"He sustained a severe traumatic brain injury," said Mr Bashir, "and continues to require a huge amount of care."

Unable to give evidence himself, two statements by Mr Shepherd's sister, Bernadette, were read in court. She described how he had been in a coma for two weeks and had no memory of his former life.

Law, of Bedford Street, Todmorden, flagged down a police car a few days later on May 3 and handed himself in.

Police arrested Jackson, of Robinwood Terrace, Todmorden, and Gorton, of Burnley Road, Portsmouth, Todmorden.

The court heard a week earlier the gang had targeted cyclist Thomas Croft, 25, near the same spot.

He was knocked off his bike and attacked but managed to run off.

He flagged down a car for help but to his horror found it was carrying his attackers, who set on him again.

All three admitted assaulting Mr Croft. Jackson and Gorton admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Shepherd with intent. Law was convicted after a trial.

Ian Howard, for Gorton, said: "He holds himself in perhaps more contempt than does Your Honour."

Adrian Strong, for Law, said: "He could not live with himself and that is why he went to police."

Alexander Wolfson, for Jackson, said: "Nobody can not at least shed internal tears when they hear Ms Shepherd's statement."

Law was sent to a young offender institution for 12 years. Jackson and Gorton were jailed for 11 years each.

Judge Durham Hall told the men: "Not only did you know him, you knew he was vulnerable and had cerebral palsy or some infirmity which made him stagger.

"One, or all of you, did not like him and what he represented.

"Now that is depravity. It is sadism. It is brutality and it is evil. You have shattered the life of a fellow human being."

Outside court, investigating officers Detective Constable Geoff Dunne and PC Gavin Strachan said: "These men inflicted serious injuries on Mr Shepherd for fun.

"Our hearts go out to Mr Shepherd and his family who have been devastated."

His life's been devastated...so have ours: Victim's sister speaks out

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