Two men were jailed at Preston Crown Court yesterday (May 2) for an assault on a 33-year-old man.

Marcus Hartley, 24 and Richard Lowry, 33, both of Gordon Street, Chorley, were sentenced following the attack in Chorley.

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Police launched an investigation on November 4 after a man was found with serious injuries around 1.50am close to the Royal Mail offices at Chorley East Business Centre.

The victim had suffered multiple facial fractures and a bleed on the brain and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment.

Following extensive enquiries, detectives later arrested Hartley and Lowry in connection with the offence. It was established the pair had threatened the victim earlier in the evening and later followed him towards the business centre area before launching a sustained and vicious assault.

Both were charged with Section 18 wounding. A third man, also involved in the attack on the 33-year-old, remains unidentified.

Hartley and Lowry later pleaded guilty to the offence.

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At court Hartley was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of five and a half years, while Lowry was jailed for 10 years.

Det Sgt Ian Derbyshire, of Skelmersdale CID, said: “This was a vicious, nasty and brutal assault.

“Hartley and Lowry, along with a third man, targeted the victim leaving him with significant injuries.

“The pair are clearly dangerous individuals who showed a blatant disregard for their actions.

“The victim has remained in hospital since the assault and requires on-going medical care.

“We welcome these sentences and hope they serve as a warning to others.”