This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-23001147

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Jack Widdowson trial: 13 years in jail for ballet dancer's attacker Ballet dancer Jack Widdowson's attacker jailed for 13 years
(35 minutes later)
A man who attacked a ballet dancer, broke his neck and left him lying in the street has been jailed for 13 years.A man who attacked a ballet dancer, broke his neck and left him lying in the street has been jailed for 13 years.
Jack Widdowson, 19, from Somerset, was assaulted by Mohammed Ali Mohamoed, 27, on a disused canal towpath in Cardiff.Jack Widdowson, 19, from Somerset, was assaulted by Mohammed Ali Mohamoed, 27, on a disused canal towpath in Cardiff.
Mohamoed, of Splott, Cardiff, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent but cleared of attempted murder.Mohamoed, of Splott, Cardiff, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent but cleared of attempted murder.
Eight months later Mr Widdowson was able to dance again.Eight months later Mr Widdowson was able to dance again.
His family called it a "miracle" recovery.His family called it a "miracle" recovery.
Mr Widdowson, an apprentice dancer at the Bern Ballet Company in Switzerland, had performed two days before the attack on 5 November 2011.Mr Widdowson, an apprentice dancer at the Bern Ballet Company in Switzerland, had performed two days before the attack on 5 November 2011.
His mobile phone was stolen and he was left for dead on the outskirts of the city centre near East Tyndall Street at 00:45.His mobile phone was stolen and he was left for dead on the outskirts of the city centre near East Tyndall Street at 00:45.
He had been visiting his brother who was studying at Cardiff University.He had been visiting his brother who was studying at Cardiff University.
Mohamoed admitted stealing his phone at the trial at Cardiff Crown Court but claimed someone else must have hurt him.Mohamoed admitted stealing his phone at the trial at Cardiff Crown Court but claimed someone else must have hurt him.
Prosecutor Michael Mather-Lees QC told Mohamoed: "You broke his neck, then you lied to police because you realised you had committed a dreadful offence."Prosecutor Michael Mather-Lees QC told Mohamoed: "You broke his neck, then you lied to police because you realised you had committed a dreadful offence."
After the attack, it was feared Mr Widdowson would be paralysed.After the attack, it was feared Mr Widdowson would be paralysed.
He told BBC Wales ballet was his "passion" and the attack made him more determined than ever to succeed. The dancer told BBC Wales ballet was his "passion" and the attack made him more determined than ever to succeed.
His father Dr Julian Widdowson said his "incredible flexibility" may have saved his life and aided his "miracle" recovery.His father Dr Julian Widdowson said his "incredible flexibility" may have saved his life and aided his "miracle" recovery.
Mr Widdowson's rehabilitation treatments included hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sessions which he described as "long and difficult".Mr Widdowson's rehabilitation treatments included hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sessions which he described as "long and difficult".
Judge Justice Wyn Williams sentenced Mohamoed to 13 years and ordered he be deported after serving his sentence.Judge Justice Wyn Williams sentenced Mohamoed to 13 years and ordered he be deported after serving his sentence.
The judge told him: "You left him lying in the street which was callous in the extreme. You are a dangerous offender."The judge told him: "You left him lying in the street which was callous in the extreme. You are a dangerous offender."
Mr Widdowson's parents, who have since set up a charity called the Dance Again Foundation, praised their son.
They said: "Jack has made an amazing recovery from a horrific injury and we would like to thank the many people who have helped to achieve that.
"He has been performing for some time now and has already performed publicly on a number of occasions.
"We and he are just delighted that he has been able to resume his career as a dancer despite what happened to him."
They said their son's injuries and the problems he suffered prompted them to set up the charity which helps other injured dancers access the right support and treatment.
They said: "We can now put this behind us and we're looking forward to continuing to support Jack and all our children in their careers."
After sentencing, Det Con Mike Owens, from South Wales Police, said: "Jack Widdowson had been enjoying a night out with family and friends when he was subjected to a shocking level of violence - the level which we rarely see in Cardiff.After sentencing, Det Con Mike Owens, from South Wales Police, said: "Jack Widdowson had been enjoying a night out with family and friends when he was subjected to a shocking level of violence - the level which we rarely see in Cardiff.
"Amazingly Jack, who is such a talented young man, has made a full recovery and we are delighted that he is back dancing again."Amazingly Jack, who is such a talented young man, has made a full recovery and we are delighted that he is back dancing again.
"Today's decision will hopefully allow Jack and his family to finally put this incident behind them.""Today's decision will hopefully allow Jack and his family to finally put this incident behind them."