VILLAGERS are appalled at an appeal court's decision to reduce the prison sentences of two burglars who left a postmaster for dead.

But the postmaster has spoken of his sorrow for them.

Thomas Lloyd and Malcolm Hitchings, both now aged 20, raided Hanley Swan Village Stores and Post Office, but were disturbed by Alan Davies, whom they left with life-threatening injuries after beating him with an iron bar.

Their sentences have now been slashed from 12 to eight years at London's Court of Appeal, because of their age.

Yesterday residents of Welland Road, Hanley Swan, were shocked by the news.

But the victim of the crime said he pitied his attackers.

Robin Clarke, owner of Hanley Swan Bakery, said: "I think the set-up of the criminal justice system is just beyond belief. They could have killed Mr Davies."

Virginia Chadd, aged 51, said: "It's an insult - it just proves that the law always seems to be on the side of the criminal. I think they got off lightly."

Brenda Smith said she was "astounded", adding: "I don't think 12 years was enough."

However, Mr Davies, aged 55, said: "I'm sorry for them, that they chose that road to follow, getting money any way they could."

Mr Davies said he felt overcrowding in prisons was the real reason for the reduction.

"What does upset me is that our law in this country is being totally eroded," he said.

"I think the judicial system is now totally stressed out and having so much work to do."

He said he is lucky to have survived what he feels was attempted murder.

"It's only because of God that I'm still here," he said.

He said he has no memory of the attack, which happened in the early hours of Wednesday, August 10, 2005, and left him with a fear of strangers and poor concentration.

Meanwhile, neighbour Barbara Hutchinson, aged 52, said: "I think the people who know him will feel that it will just add to the burden that he and his family have faced. He's taken it very hard - he doesn't work in theshop as much as he used to."

Richard Partos, 61, said he felt saddened for the family.

"I think this will affect them permanently. There's still a threat if they are coming out. I don't think Mr Davies has recovered - I don't think you ever do from something like that."

The appeal court was told the two men, who lived in Waterloo Place, Aberdare, mid-Glamorgan, planned to target post offices and stores in Worcestershire, where they grew up, between July and August.

During the spree they stole at least four cars, which were found burnt out or stripped of parts, and a radio to monitor police activity.

The Hanley Swan post office was one of 10 targets.

Mr Davies had two skull fractures and two brain clots and spent five days on a ventilator. His injuries were so severe, initial police inquiries involved a potential murder investigation.

The raiders, who were on bail at the time, have previous criminal records. Lloyd has been convicted of unlawful wounding, while Hitchings had appeared before courts 14 times for dishonesty offences and assault causing actual bodily harm.

In October, they received 12-year sentences at Worcester Crown Court after convictions for burglary arson, possession of criminal property, two counts of making off without payment and doing acts tending or intended to pervert the course of justice.

However, Justice Williams said given their "relative youth" 12 years' detention was too long.