THE victim of a vicious assault which left him critically injured has spoken of the crippling effects the incident has had on his life and on the lives of those close to him.
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The man was delivering a victim's impact statement to the Bathurst District Court on Thursday, describing the lasting effects of the 2017 assault at his Eglinton home that saw him placed in an induced coma and intubated by medical professionals.
The man responsible for the attack, Taylar Gregory Noonan, formerly of Raymond Terrace, will be sentenced next week after pleading guilty to a string of charges including causing grievous bodily harm with intent, destroying/damaging property, possessing a prohibited drug, entering enclosed lands and intimidating a police officer in the execution of duty.
The incident occurred back in August, 2017 at the victim's Eglinton home. The victim's wife returned to find her husband critically injured and the front of her house smashed up.
Noonan, who has been in custody since his arrest, appeared before acting Judge O'Connor on Thursday where the victim gave his statement.
The victim spoke of the profound effect the assault had on his life and his wife's. He has been left with numerous injuries including a traumatic brain injury.
The victim spoke of his ongoing struggles, the mental and physical impact of the assault, and the fact he can no longer perform any meaningful work.
He said the assault had instilled ongoing fear in him.
"We shut the curtains at night so we don't get frightened by the noise of people pulling up in cars or walking past, and I do not like leaving the house."
He told the court he no longer feels safe in his own home and does not like to be left alone there.
The victim said his life will always be different as a result of what happened.
"I am left feeling inadequate, isolated and with a sense of lack of control of my life and my future.
"I have such big restrictions on career opportunities - I can no longer contribute to society. What worries me the most is what lies ahead for my future because I will never be the same."
Acting Judge O'Connor told the victim the court "acknowledged the serious nature of the assault and the life changing impact it has, and continues to have on the victim." Noonan will be sentenced on Monday.