Victim recovers

AFTER being severely beaten in an unmotivated attack on New Year s Eve, Hailsham father Paul Titherington, 25, is now 'comfortable and stable at Eastbourne hospital.

This week his wife, Kate, 33, spoke publicly for the first time about the violent attack, which took place in the toilets of the George Hotel, and thanked friends and Paul s family for the 'inspirational support they have given her and the children.

'He was planning to see the New Year in with myself and his children, she said. 'The first I knew of the attack was then one of our friends called at my home and told me Paul had been seriously injured.

'I have got no feelings for the people who did this to my husband. I am just not interested in them in the slightest. My primary concern is for the speedy recovery of Paul. I feel like we have been plunged down a black hole since his attack.

Paul is a student at the Sussex Downs College studying mechanical repair. He was out with four friends at the George Hotel on New Year s Eve playing pool. Moments before the attack, Mr Titherington used his mobile phone to send a text message to his wife.

Kate, a qualified reflexologist, is also studying at Sussex Downs College to become a holistic therapist. Throughout her dedicated bedside vigil, she has been plying her husband with a variety of complimentary medicines.

She said: 'He has really been responding to some of the treatments I have been giving him. When he first arrived at the hospital, I gave him a series of anti-inflammatory essential oils to help bring down the swelling. Since then, I have been giving him reviving oils to help bring him round.

On Saturday Mr Titherington came to and Kate was given her first kiss of the New Year.

She said: 'It was amazing to actually feel him kiss me especially after what he has been through. When he was admitted, the injuries he received were quite horrific so for him to come out of his semi-conscious state is wonderful.

'The support that I and my children have received from friends and Paul s family has been an inspiration to me. I thank them all for what they have done and look forward to arranging a party as a thank you when Paul returns home.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the attack, which happened at 10.30pm, to contact them on 0845 60 70 999 or to ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.