The family of a man who suffered a life-changing brain injury after an unprovoked attack have spoken of the moment 'their lives changed forever'.

Alistair Roome, 47, was enjoying a night out in Coalville with friends on Saturday, April 25, when he was headbutted by 35-year-old Kyle Morrissey.

Morrissey, of Prestop Drive in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, was sentenced to two years in prison at Leicester Crown Court on Friday, September 18.

Now, Alistair's family have described the devastating and lasting impact his actions have had on their lives, as police continue to urge others to walk away from violence.

They said: "In April, our lives changed forever. Alistair was the victim of an unprovoked assault while enjoying a night out with friends at his local pub. In a matter of moments, a senseless act of violence left him with life-threatening and life-changing injuries.

"The impact of this horrific attack has been devastating, not only for Alistair but for all of us who love and care for him. It has robbed him of the life he once knew and has left our family facing uncertainty, grief and lasting emotional trauma.

"The consequences of that single violent act will remain with us for many years to come. While we continue to support Alistair through his recovery, we know that the effects of this attack will be felt by our family forever."

Alistair's family added: "We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Leicestershire Police for their support and dedication throughout this difficult time, and to the NHS staff who have and continue to care for Alistair.

"Their professionalism, compassion and unwavering commitment has meant more to our family than words can express."

The assault on Alistair occurred outside a pub in Belvoir Road around 9.30pm. Prior to the incident it is believed Alistair and Morrissey had only briefly spoken to each other at the bar.

Alistair later left the pub to join friends outside and was followed by Morrissey, who throughout has offered no explanation as to why Alistair was the target of his attack.

The force of the headbutt knocked Alistair backwards, causing him to hit the floor. It left him unconscious and in need of urgent medical treatment.

He underwent emergency surgery and was in intensive care for a month.

Morrissey left the scene before the emergency services arrived. He was arrested by officers two days later after he arranged to hand himself into police.

Five months on, the attack has left Alistair with serious injuries, and he remains in a brain injury rehabilitation unit in hospital receiving treatment.

Following a thorough investigation, Morrissey was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

He later pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent which was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Detective Constable Beth McGuinness, officer in the case, said: "What happened to Alistair was completely unprovoked and shows just how devastating the consequences of violence can be.

"While Alistair and his family continue to live with the impact of what happened that night, Morrissey has had to face the consequences of his actions.

"It is not known if Morrissey went out that day with the intention to harm anyone but in the minutes before the attack on Alistair he had indicated to others in the bar that he wanted to start a fight.

"After knocking Alistair unconscious, he then chose to walk away from the scene without any remorse for the injuries he had caused or concern for Alistair's welfare.

"The effects of the decisions he made in those few seconds will stay with Alistair and his family for a lifetime and now means Morrisey will spend the next few years in prison."

Chief Inspector Wayne Nimblette, from the force's crime prevention team, added: "This case serves as a stark reminder that it only takes a single act of violence to change lives forever.

"Too often we see incidents where people make a split-second decision that results in devastating consequences.

"Through our 'Walk Away' campaign we are trying to encourage people to walk away from confrontation and for friends to intervene safely if it appears something could become violent.

"It is important for people to understand that a single punch or blow can cause life-changing injuries or death."