A TEENAGER today spoke about how his life has been made a misery by a violent thug who smashed his jaw while he enjoyed a night out with friends.

Danny Maguire, 18, had to have his mouth wired and fitted with two steel plates after the vicious attack in an Accrington pub.

The labourer now cannot eat properly and is surviving on a diet of fluids and mushy food.

He was walking across the dance floor at Churchill's Bar, Cannon Street, when he was knocked to the ground with one punch from his attacker.

Danny, who lives in Oswaldtwistle, said: "I had been leaving to meet a friend when I got smacked and fell to the floor. I didn't see who did it.

"People helped me up and took me to the door. They were going to call an ambulance, but my friends and I thought it would be quicker to catch a taxi. "It was a totally unprovoked attack. We had only been in the place for 45 minutes and were just enjoying ourselves.

"If anyone knows who did it then I am appealing to them to tell the police."

One of Danny's friends was also attacked as he left the pub and had to have 14 stitches in his lip.

Danny's life has been made a misery since the attack and eating has become a difficult and painful task.

He underwent a two-hour operation at Blackburn Royal Infirmary to have the steel plates fitted in his jaw.

Danny added: "My jaw was broken in two places. The doctors said the crack in the jaw caused shockwaves which broke a bone near my ear.

"At first, elastic was used to keep my jaw in place and I could only drink fluids.

"I still cannot chew because every one of my teeth hurts.

"I can only have fruit juice, cereal mushed up and liquidised food which is disgusting.

"It will be four or five weeks before I will be able to eat properly again."

Danny was in hospital for just over a day and is now recovering at the family home where he lives with his parents, Lynn and Jim. He has not been able to work.

Anyone with information about the attack which happened at 1.30am on December 27 should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Accrington CID on 01254 382141.

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