Samuel Tooley led the violence which left his victim unconscious with severe brain injuries in Somerset Place. He was in a coma for a month and had part of his skull removed by surgeons.
Tooley, of Sandygate Mill, Kingsteignton admitted grievous bodily harm and was jailed for two years and eight months.
Johnson, of The Mount, Dawlish, admitted causing actual bodily harm. He was given a suspended sentence.