THREE men have been jailed after kicking and punching a man more than 100 times during a two-hour ordeal described as “torture” by their victim.

Yarran Watkins, 21, and 26-year-olds Benjamin Baldwin and Dean Jones compared punches as they attacked their victim at a property in Commercial Street in Llanhilleth on January 27.

The trio have been jailed for their part in the “extremely extensive attack” which left the victim with cuts, grazes, bruises and swelling.

Judge Neil Bidder QC said Baldwin, previously of Thomas Street and Bedwellty Road in Bargoed, and Holly Road in Risca, posed a “significant risk to members of the public” due to his previous 44 offences, including battery, wounding, violent disorder, GBH and affray.

He was sentenced to 32 months in custody, with an extended licence period of 28 months.

Watkins, of no fixed address, was sentenced to two years in custody and Jones, of Treowen Avenue, Pontllanfraith sentenced to 20 months.

Cardiff Crown Court heard yesterday that the three men admitted wounding their victim, who was previously a friend, at a hearing on May 12.

Prosecutor John Probert said the complainant had a disagreement with Baldwin on January 25, which is believed to be the motive behind the attack.

He told the court: “[The victim] was asleep on January 27 and woke to find Baldwin standing over him.

“Baldwin punched him twice and said to him, ‘Watkins, coming to get you now’. He then let Watkins into the house.

“Baldwin asked Watkins to watch him and said ‘if he moves or touches his phone, stab him’.”

Mr Probert added: “Baldwin told him [the victim] he’d got in through the balcony. Police say this would’ve needed help to get in.

“The complainant said he was hit numerous times. He tried to escape, but was pulled back and Baldwin bit his ear.

“All three kicked the complainant to the head and the body. The incident went on for hours.

“Baldwin threw a game controller at him, causing a cut on his forehead. The defendants were speaking about him and comparing their punches.

“The complainant said it felt like torture.”

Mr Probert added the three men stole money from the victim to buy cigarettes and one was using a lighter to try and set furniture on fire.

“The complainant thought he was going to be burned,” Mr Probert added.

“They told him they were going to kill him and that his sister and her friend were tied up in the back of a van.

“The complainant was told he had to slit someone’s throat if he wanted to live.”

After losing consciousness, the victim woke to find the three had left and went out. When he came home, he saw Baldwin’s car had returned and dialled 999.

“He was so scared he ran from the house and hid until the police arrived,” Mr Probert added.

During the attack, the victim was also hit with a dog chain and a bottle.

Judge Bidder QC said: “I’m quite clear you, Baldwin, were the instigator of this offence. It was an extremely extensive attack. It’s remarkable in these circumstances that he did not sustain more injuries. He did not sustain a single fracture.”

Watkins had previously been sentenced for 16 offences such as battery, affray, assault and harassment, and Jones had committed three offences, including common assault.