Russell's defence counsel said his client had developed a cocaine problem and had been taking drugs and drinking for four days prior to the assault.

Ah, brings back memories of the good old days.

Det Gda Gleeson said that Mr Rogers will never have full use of his left hand again.

When life "hands" you lemons, make lemon-aid (hard lemon-aid if you're Irish).  He can still have full use of that hand as a dandy paper weight and conversation piece.  And of course, there's always "the stranger"...

He had suffered from depression, his relationship had since broken down, and he would never work in carpentry again, or play golf and football, which he had done before the assault.

What fucking century are we in?