On Monday 28th April this year, 25-year-old Stephen Wilson was attacked in the Pelham Street area close to the Banana Bridge and sustained injuries so severe it was doubtful he would survive.

• Click the green 'play' icon to watch a video interview with Stephen's mother, Jean Wilson.

Stephen –– who had moved to Mansfield from Scotland to start his own business –– has been left with severe brain damage and will require round-the-clock care for the rest of his life.

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At a police press conference today (Wednesday), Stephen's parents told of the impact the incident had on their lives and pleaded for anyone with information to come forward.

Said his devastated mother Jean: "Stephen was a normal 25-year-old - happy go lucky, liked to go out with his friends clubbing, playing pool - everything that a normal guy does. He was a very sociable guy, he'd speak to anybody, had loads of friends.

"He didn't bother anybody, he just enjoyed life. But now he's completely different to how he was - it's like bringing up a young child.

"He's starting to communicate a bit, but he's still not walking or talking properly and I have to feed him.

"It's terrible. I feel like I've lost him completely - he's never going to be the son that I had."

Investigating officer Det Sgt Mark Webster said Stephen had been drinking at Clumber Street pub Martha's Vineyard on the evening of the attack with six people, who may be important witnesses.

Police are also keen to trace a man who found Stephen in the alleyway, but left before emergency services arrived.

Det Sgt Webster said: "I believe people in the local community know who did this or at least have their suspicions and I ask them to do the right thing and name names."

• Anyone with information should contact Nottinghamshire Police on 01623 420999 ext 3135 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.