HE had been so badly beaten he was barely recognisable and there were fears he might never see again.

But when police tried to find those responsible they were faced with a wall of silence from a community – despite several people knowing who had unleashed the vicious attack on an innocent man.

Today detectives have praised the brave few who found the “courage” to speak out and put thug Lincoln McLean behind bars for the savage assault at a Southampton pub.

Victim Christopher Miller told a court how he had been left a prisoner in his own home since the attack that left him with two fractured cheekbones, two black eyes, a broken nose and eye socket.

It happened on the evening of September 24 last year when the 22-year-old self employed labourer was walking up steps to return to the Hare and Hounds pub in Harefield after smoking outside and McLean – harbouring a misconceived perception Mr Miller had earlier punched him on the back of the head – approached.

Without warning, the 20-year-old landed two savage punches to his face causing it to bleed.

Mr Miller went to the pub toilet to clean himself up and McLean followed, appearing to want to apologise and offer reconciliation. But with the victim’s guard down, he instead landed three further blows, causing the injuries that forced Mr Miller to undergo four-and-a-half hours of surgery.

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At the time, McLean was on bail for robbing a serviceman of money he had just withdrawn from a cashpoint machine, for which he is currently serving a two-year sentence.

Tom Wright, prosecuting at Southampton Crown Court said: “It was an inexplicable and unprovoked attack.”

Judge Linda Sullivan QC branded McLean, of Magnolia Road, Southampton, a danger to the public. She told McLean, who admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, he would now serve a minimum term of two years and eight months before his case could be considered by the Parole Board.

“I am satisfied you pose a serious risk of causing harm to member of the public,” she said, noting previous convictions for causing grievous bodily harm, robbery and using violence to secure entry into premises.

In mitigation, Jeremy Barton read out a letter from McLean who said: “I’m disappointed in myself” and added that he was deeply sorry, not just for the victim but also his own family and friends.

Of his time on remand, he added: “I am doing everything I can to make the best out of a bad situation to become a mature young man and bring good into my community.”

Mr Barton said he had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and had expressed remorse.