Two thugs have been sentenced to prison after brutally attacking a man in front of his teenage son.

The assault occurred at approximately 4am on May 31 of last year in Chorley, Lancashire, while the 40-year-old victim was sleeping on his couch. He had been drinking at local pubs earlier in the evening.

Earlier that night, the victim encountered Wayne Baines, one of the attackers, who was known to him. They returned to the victim's home together with the victim's brother and another man, where Baines alleged that the victim had insulted someone earlier.

Police indicated it was likely a case of mistaken identity. Around 4.04am, CCTV footage showed two men arriving at the victim's house by taxi, one armed with a metal pole.

Moments later, Baines emerged from the house to meet the masked men, one of whom was Jack Williams carrying an imitation firearm. They then forcibly entered the home and assaulted the victim, who was asleep and unaware, all while his son witnessed the horrific scene.

The victim sustained significant injuries, including two fractured eye sockets, a fractured rib, and a bleed on the brain. The sounds of his screams were recorded by the CCTV. Lancashire Police subsequently initiated an investigation, leading to the arrests of Baines and Williams on June 23 at a hotel in Charnock Richard.

Baines, 32, of no fixed address, was convicted by a jury of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. Williams, 28, also of no fixed address, pled guilty to the same charges.

On Monday at Preston Crown Court, Baines received an 18-year sentence, comprising 13 years in prison and five years on extended license. Williams was sentenced to 12 years, with eight years in prison and four years on extended license.

Detective Constable Ryan Lee stated, "This was a violent attack with a weapon on a man in his own home, resulting in serious injuries. The lengthy prison sentences and extended license terms reflect the gravity with which the judge treated this attack." He further emphasized, "Using violence is not acceptable and Lancashire Police will thoroughly investigate such acts in a bid to bring offenders to justice."