According to Sussex Police, a local man was attacked outside The Carlisle pub in Pelham Street, Hastings, shortly before midnight on February 20 last year. The victim suffered significant injuries to his eyes leaving him blinded. He has endured a number of operations at the specialist eye hospital in Brighton which have been able to provide him with hope. Matthew Barnes, 46, of Montpelier Gardens, Washington, West Sussex, has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. Oliver Wilkinson, 49, of Duke Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, has been similarly charged and also faces a further charge of witness intimidation. Both men are due to appear before Brighton magistrates on Saturday, February 25. Police are still appealing for witnesses in connection with the incident who are asked to contact officers online at www.sussex.police.uk/contact-us/response-to-appeal/, quoting Operation Nuneaton. They are asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk. They can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 (www.crimestoppers-uk.org).