Man jailed for 'vicious' GBH crowbar assault

A man from Swindon has been sentenced to almost four years in prison for assaulting a man in his home with a crowbar.

Matthew Brown, 37, of Ermin Street, Stratton St Margaret, was given a custodial sentence of three years and 10 months.

He pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm at Swindon Crown Court on Monday.

The court heard that on 9 May, Brown forced his way into a property on Sandgate, Swindon, and struck his known victim over the head several times with the metal tool, causing injuries to his head and shoulder.

DC James Pugh from Wiltshire Police described it as a "premeditated act of violence."

He said: "Brown broke into the victim's home, armed with a metal weapon, and launched a vicious and unprovoked attack upon him.

"Thankfully, the victim managed to escape the ordeal and prevent further harm to himself.

"The swift response of our officers, coupled with the invaluable assistance of members of the public, was instrumental in identifying and arresting Brown swiftly.

"We want to reassure the public that this was an isolated incident, targeted at a specific individual and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community."

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