An investigation by detectives from Isle of Wight CID led to a man being jailed at the island’s Crown Court on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 for an assault that left the victim disabled.
Robert Gary Cass, aged 26, formerly of Queens Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight was sentenced to eight years in prison.
A jury found Mr Cass guilty on Tuesday (December 8, 2009) of grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent against 19-year-old Joseph Triccas outside an address in Slade Road in Ryde in September 2007.
Mr Triccas, who is now aged 22, received serious injuries in the assault, which has left him partially paralysed.
Family Liaison Officer, Detective Constable Julia Steele of Isle of Wight CID, said: “Joe Triccas and his family have shown tremendous courage in adapting to the physical and psychological demands of disabilities in someone so young, and coping with the emotional strain of an extensive Crown Court trial.”
Joe Triccas said: “My life has been turned upside down. A blood clot was removed from my brain, I was in a coma for six weeks, and in hospital for 18 months. My head, speech, right arm and right leg remain affected. I need a wheelchair because I can only walk short distances because of muscle problems. I was in a very dark place mentally but I now keep trying to do all I can to talk and walk properly again."