A menacing 48-year-old man who went on a brutal rampage armed with a meat cleaver has been jailed after pinning a pensioner to the floor, strangling her and gouging her eyes with his thumbs.

John Ince was handed a two-and-a-half year jail term after admitting the vicious attack on a woman in her seventies in Amersham earlier this year.

Following an argument on June 18, Ince waited for the victim – who he knew – to go to bed at her home in Hill Avenue at about 11pm, before he forced his way into the house armed with the meat cleaver.

He then threatened the woman, before pinning her down to the ground, strangling her and forcing his thumbs into her eyes.

She suffered swelling, bruising and lacerations but did not require hospital treatment.

Ince, of no fixed abode, was charged a day later and last week pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of common assault at Aylesbury Crown Court.

Investigating officer, Det Sgt Richard Bazeley, from Amersham Local CID, said: "This offence was a serious assault involving aggravating factors of forcing entry to the victim's home in possession of a dangerous weapon.

“Although the weapon was not used in the assault, this offence could have had even more serious consequences resulting in the victim being seriously harmed.

“Although she was not seriously injured, the victim was terrified during this attack in her home, by someone she knew.

“The length of the custodial sentence reflects the court's view regarding the seriousness of the offence.

He added: “Thames Valley Police will not tolerate this type of offending and will investigate offences of violence against the person diligently and robustly.

“I would encourage the public to report any incidents of this nature by calling 101, or by calling 999 if there is immediate danger.”