A MAN from Lancashire has been jailed after attacking another man in west Essex in broad daylight.
Bernard Saunders, 30, of Occupation Lane in Poulton-le-Fylde, appeared before Basildon Crown Court on Thursday 3 October and was sentenced to 28 months in prison, having pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent on Friday 27 September at the same court.
At about 11.30am on 21 March 2024 the victim, a man in is 30s, was at work in London Road, Stanford-le-Hope, when he saw the suspect, Bernard Saunders of Occupation Lane in Poulton-le-Fylde, and believed he was in danger.
He ran towards Butts Lane when he saw them a second time and the suspect approached him holding what appeared to be an axe handle.
Despite trying to evade Saunders by running across a busy roundabout, Saunders caught him and attacked him, leaving him with three separate facial injuries which later required surgery.
Saunders left the scene and left the victim in a serious condition on the street after the attack.
Using ANPR and CCTV cameras, officers were able to identify Saunders and, on 1 April, arrested him as he tried to leave 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 28 months imprisonment, he was given a six-year restraining order.
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.”
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