A TAXI driver who was savagely beaten and then left for dead has praised the Paddock Wood residents who saved him from his attacker.

Cabbie Gordon Bailey was viciously assaulted by thug Mark Heanan after dropping him off in Kent Close, Paddock Wood, late one night in July 2009.

Heanan, 23, who has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for the attack, broke Mr Bailey's nose and cheekbones and left him with fractured eye sockets in the prolonged assault.

Mr Bailey had picked up Heanan and a companion near Gravesend and driven them to Paddock Wood.

As soon as they stopped, Heanan, of Hever Road, Edenbridge, climbed into the front passenger seat and demanded Mr Bailey give him the car keys.

When he refused, Heanan "instantly" launched into his attack and then ran from the scene with the takings, leaving Mr Bailey with bruising all over his body and serious facial injuries which left him "unrecognisable" to his wife.

This week, the 65-year-old grandfather-of-four thanked the Kent Close residents who came to his aid.

Speaking exclusively to the Courier, Gravesend resident Mr Bailey said: "I'd like to send thanks to Mr and Mrs Everest.

"They came out and saw to me when he ran off.

"They were very nice to me and were there until the ambulance and police arrived.

"Thank God they came out because I don't think he would have stopped kicking me until I was dead."

Ian and Victoria Everest said they had been lying in bed when they heard Mr Bailey using his car horn to call for help.

Mrs Everest, 32, said: "I looked out the window and saw this guy on the floor and this kid kicking and beating the hell out of him.

"I yelled at Ian to get up and phone the police.

"When I went down there the kid ran off up the road and poor Mr Bailey had blood just spewing out of his face."

With the help of neighbours, the couple gave Mr Bailey first aid before an ambulance arrived.

Father-of-two Mr Everest, 40, said: "We are just human beings – I would do it for anyone and so would my wife. If you see someone laying in the street you go and help."

At Maidstone Crown Court last Friday, Heanan was given an indeterminate sentence after pleading guilty to wounding with intent.

Judge Macdonald QC told him he must serve a minimum of three years, seven months and seven days.