GIVING his reaction to the sentences, local MP Adam Price said the case had been "a very sad" episode for Ammanford.

"This attack has horrified the local area and has caused a great deal of heartache for the community," he said.

"My thoughts are with Paul Pugh and I wish him the very best in his recovery. Any violent attack should be punished with a custodial sentence.

"Crimes like this are totally unacceptable and should be stamped out. I truly hope no other family is faced with the ordeal the Pughs have undergone."

Responsing to criticism that some of the sentences were unduly lenient, a spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said they were satisfied that the charges laid against each of the four defendants were the "appropriate" charges based on the evidence against each defendant.

"The level of sentence is a matter for the judge on passing sentence," he added.