A FATHER and son-in-law have been sentenced for a brutal revenge attack following the theft of a treasured motorcycle.

Sean Wilkinson, 32, of Westerhay Lane, Ilminster and Christopher Taylor, 61 of Wreath Lane, Forton were sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Friday for the 'ugly assault' which left one victim with 'horrendous injuries'.

Mr Taylor's son, Liam, tragically died in a crash on December 18, 2012. On February 11 this year, his motorcycle was stolen in a burglary from the Taylor's garage among a number of other items, the court heard.

Having reported the crime to the police, and with investigations ongoing, Taylor and Wilkinson had a tip-off through social media as to who may have taken the bike.

With 'two or three others' they set off for the home of Philip Lacey in Crewkerne, as they believed his son had stolen the motorcross bike.

Sentencing, recorder Joanna Martin said: "To go to the home address in such an emotional state, it was inevitable violence would follow."

Mr Lacey denied having the bike but indicated it had been on the premises at some point, recorder Martin stated.

The court heard that Taylor saw red punched Mr Lacey, which acted as a 'flag' for others to join in.

Wilkinson also joined in the assault, biting and kicking the victim. Although he did not suffer serious physical injuries, Mr Lacey said he was left unable to sleep and had moved out of the county as he did not feel safe.

The attack was also witnessed by Mr Lacey's nine-year-old granddaughter, who was left emotionally stressed by the incident.

Prosecuting, Mr Hunter, said: "Wilkinson then headed to the home of Lacey's son Adrian Porter, who he believed to have taken the bike.

"Others had already entered and Mr Porter had fallen back in the hallway. Mr Wilkinson then grabbed a baseball bat and smashed the victim across the knees."

The group attack is thought to have lasted about five minutes, and the court heard Porter was left with a broken leg, fractured skull, two missing teeth, and his face was severely swollen.

Defending Christopher Taylor, Edward Burgess said: "I do not want Mr Taylor to go to jail today, your honour must take into account his age, the lack of previous convictions, the peculiar combination of circumstances and credit for his guilty plea.

Gordon Nelson, defending Sean Wilkinson said: "Mr Wilkinson runs a successful business which employs 15 people and has a family with three young children.

"This was an isolated offence of sheer stupidity and he is very unlikely to offend again."

Recorder Martin said: "This was a sustained attack, it was pre-meditated and there was a weapon used.

"The injuries sustained by Adrian Porter were particularly horrendous. Mr Wilkinson you are carrying the can for others who have not been brought to justice - they are lucky but it is right that you are here where legal justice can be dispensed."

She sentenced Taylor to six months in prison for actual bodily harm, suspended for 18 months and ordered him to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £500 compensation to Mr Lacey.

Wilkinson was jailed for two years for causing grievous bodily harm and six months for actual bodily harm. The sentences will run consecutively.