Man's 'life turned upside down' after he's left blinded inside bar

A man says his 'life has been turned upside down' after being left blinded in an alleged attack on a Christmas night out.

Matthew Syron lives in Australia but had travelled to Leeds - his hometown - over the festive period for a 'quick visit' to see his family and friends, LeedsLive reports. He was due to fly back after the New Year.

But Matthew, 32, was reportedly attacked in a bar on Boxing Day (December 26). The dad-of-two was enjoying a night out with friends and family in Revolution De Cuba when he says he was set upon by an unknown attacker for reasons not known to him.

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He claimed he was walking back from the toilet alone when a bottle was shoved 'straight into his eyes'. Gareth Dean, 37, has been charged with grievous bodily harm in connection with the alleged attack.

Matthew, who owns his own electrician business in Australia, said: "I was finishing my night out in Leeds and was going to go home, but I walked past Revolution De Cuba in Leeds and had never been in so I decided to go for a bit. I walked in and saw some old friends at the bar who I played rugby with over 11 years ago.

"It brought back so many good memories and we were having a good time. I went to the toilet then went to head back to my youngest brother."

Matthew, who has a fiancé and two children at home in Australia, said he was then blinded. He said he was only meant to be in Leeds on a quick break while his business was closed for the festive period.

He added: "I was only supposed to be visiting for two weeks - my flight home was meant to be this morning. I came to see my two brothers, to cuddle them, see them and congratulate them after becoming new