HALF A HEAD

Romford, Essex, England - Two teenage punks, who's savage beating of a man left him with part of his skull removed, have escaped prosecution.

Steve Gator, a 26-year-old Essex England man spent two weeks in a coma and was not expected to survive, following a beat down by two thugs who beat him so badly, doctors had to remove nearly half his skull to save his life.

Authorities say Gator was on his way home when two thugs began harassing him about a relative. When Gator attempted to defend himself, the two suspects struck him so hard, his head smashed on the pavement as he fell backwards.

Hours after Gator arrived at Queen's hospital, brain swelling forced doctors to remove the front part of his skull to relieve the pressure. The injury left Gator brain damaged with nothing but a thin layer of skin between the elements and his brain.

Police quickly arrested the two teens responsible who were then charged with unlawful wounding. But now, nearly eight months later, prosecutors have dropped the charges after evaluating the evidence.

Investigators say they have no plans to look for any other attackers in connection to the case, yet prosecutors rejected the case after coming to the conclusion that they would be unable to ensure a conviction.

"This is a key test which must be met to bring a prosecution - and in light of this, the case against the two defendants was discontinued," said Corrine Soanders of the Crown Prosecution Services.

"Our boy is walking around with half a head, what more evidence do they need," said Steve Gator's Mum, Nina Gator. "My son's life has been changed irrevocably because of this attack, but they are still walking around as if nothing has happened."