BOSSES at a resettlement home for offenders in York said an appalling attack on a resident was a "one off".

Pat Smith, director of the York Association For The Care And Resettlement Of Offenders (YACRO), said measures were in place to prevent it happening again.

She said the gated complex in Robinson Court, Walmgate, which is home to up to 30 people, has CCTV and 24-hour staff cover.

Her comments come after Kevin Warwick was jailed for life for a vicious attack on his friend, Paul Newton, which left the victim with terrible facial injuries.

The Evening Press reported yesterday how Warwick burst into Mr Newton's locked room and bludgeoned him with a glass ashtray, a mug and then a bedside lamp.

Hospital staff put 12 stitches in his wounds which included five 2cm cuts. A court heard that he was too scared to give evidence until Warwick was locked up for another crime.

Mrs Smith said: "We've got a gated complex and CCTV cameras all over the building that go up to the entrance of each room, plus 24-hour staff cover.

"We've never had anything like this before and nothing like it since. I was very upset at the time. The two men were friends and we didn't expect anything like it to happen.

"We are very controlling. We monitor visitors and people are safe within the complex. We are a success story. There is a waiting list for our waiting list.

"People want to come to us because they know we are successful. We work very closely with the police and the Probation Service."

YACRO provides resettlement support for up to 30 former offenders. It has been based in Walmgate for 12 years, but the service has existed in York for 25 years.

Warwick, 38, was sentenced to life, with a minimum term of 26 months. He had previous convictions for violence, rape and dishonesty.

Updated: 10:27 Thursday, June 23, 2005