A YOUNG Barry mum has broken her silence to speak about the seven months of torment she and her family have faced after an assault on her partner.

Laila Saif, 29, and Alec Williams have had to rebuild their lives, coping with the terrible effects of the attack, which left the 40-year old self-employed electrician with brain damage.

The assault happened outside a Barry Island nightclub on Saturday, June 29, 2003.

Doorman Michael John Takata, 48, pleaded guilty to assault and will be sentenced in Cardiff Crown Court in February. His son Matthew John Sankichi, 24, was acquitted.

But the aftermath has left the family in financial trouble and Alec still has problems with the most basic tasks.

Laila said: "Alec is such a proud man, and it breaks his heart that he can't do all the things he used to. He can't go back to work and it's killing him."

Terrified Laila Saif and Alec Williams are scared to go out more than seven months after a night at Barry Island turned to tragedy.

Alec, a self-employed electrician, was assaulted by doorman Michael Takata, leaving him on a life-support machine.

Twenty-nine-year-old Laila, who did not want her address made public, said: "Alec and I were real home-bodies."

She said their lives revolved around their three children, Stevie-Jade, eight, Shauna-Leigh, six, and 21-month old Shanea.

"We never went out, preferring family meals, but on June 29, last year, my mum, Helen, had the children for us.

"We went to a nightclub on Barry Island. Someone told me Alec had been thrown out for spilling a drink.

"By the time I got out of the club, he was lying in a pool of blood.

"I thought he was going to die.

"He had terrible brain damage, and even now he has trouble doing simple things, like tying his shoelaces.

"He cannot recall the last year before the attack and didn't even know we had a third child.

"Now, he doesn't like going out. He stammers and is very nervous. His condition may never improve. He's a changed man."

Two men were later charged with the assault. Michael Takata pleaded guilty and his son, Matthew John Sankichi, was acquitted.

Laila added: "If the one who pleaded guilty doesn't get a prison sentence, I'll be so disappointed with our legal system.

But on a happier note, she praised those who have helped them put their shattered lives back together.

Laila said: "I want to thank the Rotary Club and the Lodge for giving us money for the girls' Christmas presents, Barry Town Football Club supporters, who raised money, and my family, especially my mum and niece Lucy Russell."