A WIRRAL man was given a suspended jail sentence for his part in a vicious assault at Lime Street station in Liverpool.

Paul Christopher Johnson, 27, from Beechwood and cousin Stephen Allen, 23, from Liverpool, were sentenced on Wednesday at Liverpool Crown Court having pleaded guilty to wounding at an earlier hearing.

The court heard that, on December 23, the pair had travelled to Lime Street to exact revenge on a man who, it is alleged, had assaulted a female relative.

When they arrived at Liverpool Lime Street they targeted a 21-year-old man and chased him through the station before cornering him near to the Lord Nelson Street exit.

As the victim cowered in a corner he was kicked to the head – and knocked unconscious – by Johnson.

Whilst lying unconscious he was then further assaulted by Allen who pulled a knife and slashed the victim several times.

The cousins ran from the scene, leaving the victim unconscious and bleeding.

He was found by rail staff and subsequently treated at hospital for his injuries which required medical stapling.

Johnson, of Gaytree Close, Beechwood was sentenced to 50 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and was made the subject of a two-year supervision order.

Allen, of Ismay Street, Liverpool, was sentenced to four years imprisonment.

Detective Constable Mark Douglas, who investigated for British Transport Police, said: "Johnson and Allen have been sentenced today for an assault that was unbelievably violent and callous.

"Any assault is unacceptable, but to attack someone who is unconscious is simply unbelievable."

He added: "This investigation was lengthy and, at times, difficult and I would like to thank those involved in the process that helped bring the case to court.

"Serious violence is rare on the railway – and rarer still in Merseyside – but when it does occur it is disturbing for all who use the network.

"Today's sentencing should clearly demonstrate that BTP – and the wider rail industry – does not tolerate violence in any form and will do everything possible, within the law, to bring offenders to justice."