TWO teenagers who launched a savage attack on a 58-year-old civil servant as he made his way home after a night out are starting six-year youth custody sentences. Matthew Bevan, 17, and 16-year-old Ashley Richardson, both from Gillingham, were drunk at the time of the brutal attack on David Price.

A judge at Maidstone Crown Court lifted a ban on publication of their names as a warning to others. The attack left Mr Price, of Penshurst Close, Rainham, with brain damage and he has been forced to take early retirement.

Bevan and Richardson launched their unprovoked attack on Mr Price as he walked home across a school playing field. They kicked him in the head as he lay on the ground, reducing his face to a bloody mess.

Another youth in the group, who was not charged, told the court he thought Mr Price was dead. Neither Bevan nor Richardson bothered to help Mr Price after the attack and left him lying unconscious.

Speaking at his home after the teenagers were sentenced, Mr Price said: "The decision is a just one for the community." His wife, Julie, 44, said: "It is what they deserve. I was shocked at the length but they should not be allowed to do this sort of thing."

Her husband added: "I want us to get on with our lives now and be able to look forward to Christmas."