A MAN has been jailed after unleashing an unprovoked violent attack with a claw hammer.  

David Rowe, of Eeles Close, Aylesbury, broke into a house in Wallingford at around 6.30pm on May 11, earlier this year.

Inside he carried out the violent spree, leaving the 31-year-old victim with bruising over his body and arms.

Read more: police reveal MORE ridiculous 999 calls 

Police have said the situation could have been very different and he could have easily been left with ‘serious, lasting injuries’.

Rowe, aged 34, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday and admitted:

  • Attempted grievous bodily harm
  • Possession of an offensive weapon
  • Breach of a community behaviour order
  • Taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent
  • Driving a motor vehicle with no insurance
  • Driving a motor vehicle without a licence

He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Investigating officer detective constable Stephanie Barras-Thompson, based in Abingdon, said: “Firstly my thoughts are with the victim of this case who could have been seriously hurt.

Read more: the best fish and chip shops in Oxford - voted by you 

“Rowe carried out a sustained and unprovoked attack on his victim with a claw hammer.

“It is very fortunate that the victim did not sustain serious, lasting injuries as this could have had a very different outcome.

“This is unacceptable behaviour and I am glad that Rowe is now going to be spending a significant time behind bars and a further five years on licence for this crime.”