‘Why aren’t you dying?’ asks thug as he smashes beer cans into man's face in race-hate Wallsend attack

Kevin Wood, 38, repeatedly smashed beer cans into the victim’s face during a sustained and violent assault.

The 40-year-old man suffered severe facial injuries, including swelling and deep lacerations - one of which left a lip partially detached.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the shocking seven-minute attack was captured on a doorbell camera last August.

The footage showed Wood delivering around 50 forceful blows to the victim’s head and face.

During the attempted murder, Wood told the victim: “You are going to die man, but first I'm going to smash your face to bits.”

The court was told Wood, who had consumed a bottle of vodka, hurled racist abuse at the man - who he knew - and ignored repeated pleas to stop.

Prosecutor Jolyon Perks said the attack began after Wood put an arm around the defendant and asked him a question.

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When the victim replied, Wood suddenly punched him, knocking him to the ground.

“The complainant didn't have an opportunity to stand up or to move away from the defendant,” Mr Perks said.

“The defendant stood over him and struck out at his head area repeatedly, with punches.”

Wood used three full beer cans as weapons, which burst during the assault, spraying liquid.

The incident only ended when a neighbour heard the noise and shouted at him to stop.

Wood, of York Drive, Wallsend, admitted attempted murder and possessing an offensive weapon.

He has previous convictions for violence and rape.

Judge Paul Sloan KC sentenced him to 15 years in prison with a five-year extended licence, calling him a danger to the public.

He said the attack showed “hostility based on race”.

“Over the course of the attack you delivered over 50 blows to the head and face of the complainant as he lay on the ground utterly defenceless,” he added.

Jamie Adams, defending, said Wood's life has been blighted by an addiction to drugs and alcohol for many years and he was in a "psychological mess" at the time of the attempted murder.

Mr Adams said the attack was not premeditated and the racist insults were said in the “anger of the moment” rather than because of particular beliefs.

The court heard Wood had vowed to get himself locked up in a bid to get help before he carried out the attack.