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Brutal brothers who battered sleeping man with metal clamp deserve their jail terms, top judges rule

Two brothers jailed for battering a sleeping man with a metal clamp deserve every day of their 10-year prison sentences, top judges have ruled.

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Scott Anthony Williams, 31, and Robert Thomas Williams, 30, attacked plasterer Robert Taylor - against whom they had a long-running grudge - after storming into his home.

Mr Taylor, 33, was asleep in the house, in Mill Road, Brownhills, when the pair burst in - both having been out on the town.

They rained down blows with the clamp, before head-butting and beating him as he lay helpless on the floor.

The brothers had a burning grievance against their victim and saw red when he moved in with his partner close to their mum's house.

Scott Williams, of Primrose Meadow Heath, Cannock, and his brother, of Mill Road, Brownhills, both admitted wounding with intent over the 'frenzied and unprovoked attack'.

Each received 10-year sentences at Wolverhampton Crown Court in January.

Their cases reached London's Appeal Court this week as they challenged their punishments, claiming they were far too harsh.

But Mr Justice Walker, sitting with Lord Justice Laws and Mr Justice Picken, said Mr Taylor was off work for a 'sustained period' due to his injuries.

The brothers were guilty of a savage joint attack 'in which the parts they played cannot be distinguished'.

The appeal judge added: "This was a sustained attack. It wasn't a sustained attack with a feather duster but with a substantial metal object which caused horrific injuries to the victim.

"In all the circumstances, there's simply no arguable basis for thinking there should be a reduction in the sentences imposed."

During the brothers' initial sentencing, the court heard how they went on a wrecking spree smashing doors, ornaments and a TV and battered the victim with fists and a metal clamp.

Robert held Mr Taylor down while Scott hit him with the clamp and then both joined in the attack, one striking around 30 blows and the other about 20, it was said.

The victim suffered cuts and bruises to his face hands, legs and body and was left bleeding heavily when the attackers fled within minutes of forcing their way into the property.

Neighbours heard the disturbance and alerted police who arrived as the brothers were running away.

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