A 35-year-old thug who left a father disfigured in an unprovoked attack has been locked up indefinitely after a judge decided he was a continuing danger.

The frenzied assault by Ian McBurdis did so much damage to the left side of Ian Tyler’s face that it had to be reconstructed.

But Maidstone Crown Court heard that the 43-year-old victim suffered complications and his face had been left lopsided.

Ordering that McBurdis, of Cobham Rise, Gillingham, should not be considered for release until he has served two-and-a-half years, the judge said great suffering had been caused to Mr Tyler and his family.

McBurdis wrote to the court expressing his remorse for the harm he inflicted, having told police he was so drunk he had no memory of it.

But Judge Jeremy Carey said: "The fact remains that nothing he says now can right the wrong or remedy the injuries and the effect upon Mr Tyler’s family."

Mr Tyler was on his way to the shops with his son on June 8 last year when he saw McBurdis sitting on the kerb in Cobham Rise.

Ian Foinette, prosecuting, said McBurdis mumbled something and Mr Tyler asked if he was speaking to him. McBurdis responded by punching him in the face.

The victim ended up on the ground with McBurdis raining punches down and kicking him in the head.

Mr Tyler was unconscious. He was taken to Medway Hospital, where it was found that his nose and cheekbone had been broken.

He was transferred to the specialist Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead in Sussex for reconstructive surgery.

Mr Foinette said Mr Tyler was now concerned about his appearance. He had since moved to a different area, in case he encountered McBurdis again.

McBurdis, who admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent, told police he had been drinking and did not remember much.