Train passenger who chased thief was beaten up by him so badly his EYEBALL fell out

Homeless Richard Harper, 43, launched his ferocious attack on the 52-year-old man after trying to steal his laptop and iPad while on a train at Welwyn Garden City.

The victim woke up at the station to find his bag containing the gadgets missing. Other passengers pointed him towards Harper, making off down the platform after leaving the train.

He gave chase and confronted Harper, who was carrying the bag.

Harper responded by laying into him so violently his eye fell out when he got to hospital.

In addition he was left with a fractured eye socket and lacerations to his eyelid, as well as bruises on his head and body.

A British Transport Police spokesman said doctors "were able to replace" the eye, adding: "But he was temporarily blinded."

Harper was jailed on Friday at St Alban's Crown Court for six years and four months for GBH, plus another year for theft.

His accomplice, 41-year-old Robert Osborn of Dacre Road, Hitchin, was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison for theft at a hearing last year, following the August 31 incident.

Det Insp Chris Neeson said: "This was a horrific attack that in serious injuries.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victim who endured a difficult recovery. He has shown real bravery throughout this process, and I hope today’s sentencing will provide him with a sense of closure.

"I would also like to reassure the public that violent incidents like this are extremely rare on the rail network."