Victim's life 'ruined' by attack

Mr Copeland is still being assessed by staff at Medway Hospital

A man who nearly died from serious head injuries after an attack has had his life ruined by the incident, his daughter has said.

James Copeland, 69, was attacked in Darnley Road, Strood, on 10 May at 2330 BST and was not expected to survive.

The victim from Strood was discharged from hospital in July but his daughter Sandra said he is now too scared to go out and cannot look after himself.

The people responsible for the attack have not been caught.

'Completely changed'

Kent Police appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

Mr Copeland's daughter said: "Before the attack he was an independent person. He did everything for himself and was outgoing and quite chatty.

"Since the assault he has completely changed. He can't remember to do anything for himself anymore.

"I even have to put clean clothes out for him and tell him to put them on.

"He spends his days just sitting indoors or lies on his bed staring at the ceiling."

Mr Copeland is still being assessed by staff at Medway Hospital to determine the full extent of his injuries.