A THUG who attacked a man with an axe handle and left him with serious injuries which required surgery has been jailed for the "brutal assault in broad daylight".

The victim, a man in his 30s, was at work in London Road in Stanford-le-Hope when he saw Bernard Saunders, 30, and fled as he believed he was in danger.

He ran towards Butts Lane when he saw Saunders a second time, who approached him holding what appeared to be an axe handle.

Despite trying to escape him by running across a busy roundabout, Saunders caught the victim and attacked him during the incident on the morning of March 21, leaving him with three separate facial injuries which later required surgery.

Saunders, Occupation Lane in Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, appeared at Basildon Crown Court today where he was jailed for two years and four months for causing grievous bodily harm without intent, after admitting the offence at the same court on Friday,

 

Speaking after the sentencing, PC Harry Bass said: “This was a brutal assault in broad daylight on the streets of Essex.

“The victim has undergone extensive surgery and recovery following this attack – it was vital Saunders was jailed for his violent actions.”

Saunders left the victim in a serious condition on the street after the attack and was later arrested on April 1 as he tried to flee the country.

Further investigation at Saunders’ home address found a handle believed to be the weapon used in the attack as well.

He was initially charged with GBH with intent and pleaded not guilty, but saw the strength of the case against him and pleaded guilty to GBH without intent the day before he was due to stand trial, and the court accepted the plea.

As well as being jailed for two years and four months, Saunders was given a six-year restraining order.