TWO teenagers who left a young policeman in a vegetative state, have had their sentences reduced by two years at the Court of Appeal.

Jack Turner, 17, and Lance Samuels, 18, claimed their original sentences were excessive.

They were originally convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent last year and Turner received nine years, with Samuels getting eight.

Victim Daniel Coffill, a former PC in Lewisham, was in a coma for 18 months after the July 2005 attack and is now in a vegetative state requiring 24-hour care.

The 23-year-old was on a night out in Queen's Road, Bromley, when the attack occurred.

Coffill refused a request to light a cannabis joint and got into his car but re-emerged after the boys spat in the vehicle's direction.

Mr Coffill was then struck in the side of the head by Turner and medical experts believe he was hit at least five more times.

Turner, of Coldharbour Estate, Eltham, received nine years for GBH with intent, plus two-and-a-half years for a further GBH on the officer.

Samuels, of Sudbury Crescent, Downham, was sentenced to eight years for GBH with intent .

The pair were spotted on CCTV and sentenced at Croydon Crown Court in June last year.

During the trial, the judge said they had not shown "an ounce" of remorse.

Mr Coffill is now cared for by his mother and can no longer walk or talk.

He is fed through his stomach and breathes through his neck.

His father Len Coffill, a printing firm owner who lives in Surrey, says he feels "utter shock and disgust at the outcome".

He said: "The justice system's concern lies with the perpetrators rather than the victim.

"My anger is in my heart and my soul because the system does not allow it to be channelled anywhere else. I can't get closure."

The 55-year-old added: "We are devastated. The doctors told us the best we could hope for was a permanent vegetative state, and this is what we got.

"His mother has had to give up all her independence and is now a full-time carer.

"She deserves to be sainted."

PC Eric Smith, a former colleague, says everyone at Lewisham police station is devastated.

He said: "The original sentence was just.

"This is shocking, but this is British justice for you."

Lewisham East MP Bridget Prentice said: "I'm deeply saddened by the success of this appeal.

"This was a horrifying attack on a model citizen; a young man who served our community and helped keep Lewisham safe.

"I have written to the Attorney General to stress my concerns.

"I want to know whether this latest decision can be reversed"

"I would also like to commend the News Shopper for recognising the seriousness of these events and giving them a prominent place in their paper."