A Christchurch man known as 'Devast8', says he's been brutally bashed in prison by gang members

Mark Anthony Cropp - who's better known by the nickname tattooed across his face - says the five men fractured two of his ribs and caused blindness in one eye.

The Christchurch man is in custody, waiting to be sentenced on charges including assault, intimidating behaviour, and carrying an imitation firearm.

Cropp says he's changed his mind about his face ink, and wants to turn his life around for his children - and to remove his tattoo so he can get work.