A BARRY man - who was assaulted and left for dead - has won an eight-year battle over compensation for his life-changing injuries.

Mark Tierney, of the Waterfront, Barry, was 47-years-old when he was attacked in Milford Haven, and suffered a severe brain injury.

It left him requiring lifelong care and unable to support his family financially.

Law firm Hugh James made an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) following the brutal assault, but only now, aged 56, has Mr Tierney received an amount that will cover his losses.

Mr Tierney was working as a pipe fitter in West Wales when he attacked during the early hours of the morning on December, 2, 2007, while out with friends.

A passer-by found him in the street unconscious lying on his back, but the severity of his injuries meant he had no recollection of the incident.

He was taken to Withybush Hospital but remained in a coma for a further four.

CT scans revealed significant swelling of the brain.

Since recovering, Mr Tierney has suffered ongoing cognitive issues and behavioural problems, poor balance, and speech and language difficulties.

His 25 year relationship with his partner completely broke down as a result; and he now requires care and support which is provided by his three daughters.

Mr Tierney said: “The attack has had a huge effect on my family. My youngest daughter who was only ten-years-old at the time of the assault was really affected by what happened to me and then also had to deal with the breakup of my marriage to her mum.

“The attack has completely changed how I live my life. Before the attack I was very active, not only in my job but I regularly enjoyed having a kick around playing football which I will never be able to do again. Financially the attack has affected the whole family as I am no longer able to work and support my family.”

Senior associate from Hugh James’ neurolaw team, Cari Sowden-Taylor said an initial offer from CICA to Mr Tierney was deemed inadequate.

She said: “We were able to advise Mark that we felt that the first offer from the CICA was low in light of the injuries he’d sustained and the financial losses he’d incurred, and was likely to incur in the future.

"Mark has now been awarded nearly three times the amount that CICA offered him."

“We are delighted with the outcome for Mark and his family and feel that they have finally received some justice since the assault eight years ago.”

Mr Tierney's attacker was prosecuted and imprisoned for grievous bodily harm.