A MAN who attacked his best friend during a row leaving him blind in one eye has been jailed for 27 months.

Mark Howarth, aged 35, forced Brian Derbyshire to the ground and kicked him once, causing him to lose the sight in his left eye.

Mr Derbyshire underwent surgery to remove the eye, Liverpool Crown Court heard on Monday.

The incident happened last November after the two men had been drinking.

Howarth, of Leigh Street, Golborne, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm. The court heard Howarth felt tremendous guilt and remorse for what he had done to his best friend.