Published: Wednesday, 27th May, 2009 4:47pm

Mum: My son's life is ruined

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THE MUM of a Johnstone man who was left brain damaged by teenage thugs has hit out at the justice system.

David Collins was beaten up by three men in Johnstone Castle last November, and his attackers were caged for a total of 10 years.

The 34-year-old"s life has been "ruined" and now his mum wants to campaign for a change in the Scottish law to make sure it doesn"t happen to anyone else.

Evil cousins Adam McManus, 17 and William McManus, 20, along with Anthony Johnstone, 18, targeted David as he was leaving his friend"s house in Maple Drive last November.

They jumped on him before carrying out a sickening attack which has left him permanently scarred.

The sick trio knocked their innocent victim unconscious and left him battered and bleeding on the street.

David"s close-knit family and friends spent an agonising four days by his bedside in intensive care at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, waiting to see if he would pull through.

Aberdeen supporter David said: 'I get physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy every week.

'I can walk, but only a short distance, and I have a limp.

'My right-hand side still feels paralysed when I talk.

'To be honest, I"m not dealing with it very well.

'Because there has been trauma to my brain, I get mood swings and down days that I can"t even predict.

'All I wanted was to be happy - to meet someone nice and settle down with a family.

'They will still be young when they get out of prison but my life is ruined.

'I was stunned to hear how short their sentences were.'

Devastated mum Morag said: 'The doctor told the police that it was in the hands of God.

'The whole of our community, especially at St Aidan"s church, were praying for David to survive.'

The 58-year-old mum-of-two has had to quit her job, and along with husband David, has moved into her son"s home to be his full-time carer.

Doctors have told David that he will never get 100 percent of his health and mobility back and that it will take up to two years to see a real improvement.

Morag is "disgusted" by the sentences handed down to the three thugs, who will be out of jail by their early twenties.

She has contacted MSP Hugh Henry and wants to start a campaign to change the Scottish law.

Adam McManus of Acacia Place has been put behind bars for 45 months for assaulting David and leaving him with permanent impairment.

The court heard how he expressed "no regret" when interviewed by social workers.

William McManus of Tower Road and Anthony Johnstone of Chestnut Place will each serve just three years in Greenock Prison.

Dad David, 61, said: 'We are all angry and feel totally let down.

'They got reduced sentences because they pled guilty but it was obvious that the deal was done and dusted.

'The trial was like an old boys" club - they didn"t see the victim behind all the paperwork.'

Outraged Morag added: 'I am disgusted at the outcome.

'Everyone here has been so supportive and we want these families moved out of Johnstone Castle.'

'We can"t turn back time but I want to help make sure no more families have to go through this.

'I"m going to take it all the way - the law should be on the side of the victim, not the scum who did this.'