Blackburn man jailed for "sickening" attack on unconscious victim
John Moir, 59, was handed an 11-year sentence for assault
Last updated 17th Nov 2025
A man has been given an 11-year sentence after a violent attack in Blackburn that left his victim with severe injuries.
John Moir, 59, who also uses the name Paul, assaulted the victim on the evening of 22nd February near the Polish Shop on King Street, Blackburn. He was sentenced on 11th November at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to Section 18 wounding earlier this year.
Judge Ian Unsworth KC described Moir as a danger to the public and sentenced him to seven years and two months in prison, along with a four-year extended licence period.
During the attack, captured on CCTV, Moir punched the victim to the head, knocking him to the ground. As the victim tried to escape, he was pursued by two unidentified men who hit him, causing him to fall into a vehicle and onto the floor.
The victim was then kicked multiple times in the head by Moir as he lay unconscious. Additional unidentified men joined the attack later, inflicting further harm. In total, the victim endured around 40 separate blows during the assault.
As a result of the incident, the victim sustained a fractured eye socket and fractures to his nose, among other injuries. He continues to suffer from physical and psychological effects, including stress, anxiety, vision problems, and breathing difficulties.
In a statement to the court, the victim described the impact the attack has had on his life.
“After the attack I have been suffering with stress and anxiety. I am scared to go out on the streets in the evening, it seems very dangerous to me, and I am scared I might be killed,” he said.
“Physically, I have problems with my eyesight. I went to see an eye doctor and I was told that the nerve next to my eye is damaged and it is painful when I look to the left. I got a concussion and I still have headaches. I can’t sleep at night because of the headaches. I also have pain in my chest. I have problems breathing and a pressure in my chest which is worse when I do physical work.”
Detective Constable Lee Swales from Blackburn CID described the assault as a “sickening attack on a wholly innocent man.”
“This was a sickening attack on a wholly innocent man. Despite his best efforts to escape Moir, the victim suffered around 40 separate blows – some while he lay on the ground unconscious,” Swales said.
“In many ways Moir is fortunate he was not stood in the dock facing a murder charge.
“I welcome the sentence handed down to Moir, who is an extremely violent individual and someone who represents a significant risk to members of the public.”
The police investigation into the other individuals involved in the attack is ongoing.