A DANGEROUS thug mugged an innocent man then told him: "nice to do business with you" as he left him badly injured on the floor.

And now Baron Newton, 19, who struck while on licence having been released early from prison, has been sent back to jail for five years.

After the case, his victim Matthew Rhodes, who works at Blackburn Job Centre as an administration officer, said he was reassured by the sentence.

But he revealed that the horror of the attack would live with him forever.

Mr Rhodes had a plate inserted into his skull to help re-construct a fractured eye socket.

Newton, of Ada Street, Burnley, stole £46.20, Mr Rhodes' mobile phone and iPod.

Mr Rhodes, 29, said: "I have got a scar on my face. It has faded quite a lot but when I look in the mirror it's a constant reminder of the attack.

I have to use taxis now if I go for a night out and even when I'm in pubs I struggle to settle.

"I don't like people approaching me on the streets now, particularly in the evening when it's dark.

"The sentence was reassuring to know that these thugs can't get away with attacking people randomly in the street, but I will have to live with the attack forever.

"I think the attackers need help if that's how they get their pleasure."

Burnley Crown Court heard that Newton and his accomplice approached Mr Rhodes, who was walking home from a night out in Burnley, and asked for a light on July 8.

Mr Rhodes, of Rothesay Road, Brierfield, told them he did not smoke and they said they "didn't like his attitude on smoking", then accused him of giving them the "evil eye".

Mr Rhodes felt his iPod wire being torn and tried to flag down a taxi at the junction of Colne Road and Murray Street for help.

But the defendant and his friend managed to trick the cabbie into believing they were messing about and he drove off.

Former Mansfield High School pupil Mr Rhodes was then told "there's no one to help you now".

The court was told Mr Rhodes was then punched and fell in the middle of the road.

The pair threatened to kick him if he did not hand over his mobile and cash.

Mr Rhodes said he would give them what they wanted as long as they let him get up and handed over the iPod, mobile and cash.

Blood was pouring down his face. The robbers then told the victim :"Nice doing business with you," and walked away.

Newton, who had a previous conviction for wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and had been recalled on licence from the three-year sentence, was assessed as posing a high risk of harm to the public.

He had used alcohol, cocaine, amphetamine and ecstasy but had sought help whilst in custody.

Sentencing, Judge Pamela Badley said the offence was "horrible".

The court was told that Mr Rhodes was previously a confident, hard-working man but had been so damaged by the beating, both psychologically and physically he was not able to work for three months.

Joe Boyd, defending, said Newton expressed considerable regret for his actions.

Mr Boyd said: "I accept fully its a serious and violent offence of robbery.

"The defendant has attempted to rehabilitate himself whilst he has been in custody."

After the case, Detective Constable Peter Denson said: "Unprovoked attacks like this are not uncommon, but this was a particularly violent and horrific one.

"Just for the theft of a mobile phone the aggrieved received serious injuries.

"The sentence should act as a warning to others and hopefully deter them from committing such offences."

The court was told that police were still hunting the accomplice as Newton had not given his name to officers.