Man jailed after attacking woman with garden tool

A man who hit a woman over the head with a garden tool, leaving her with life-changing injuries, has been jailed for six years and eight months.

Ashley Hutchison, 35, of Earl Street, Grimsby, had admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent after the attack on Milton Road on 16 April 2022.

As well as his jail term, Hutchison was given a 10-year restraining order relating to his victim at Grimsby Crown Court on Wednesday.

Det Con Nikkie Culton, who led Humberside Police's investigation, said: "Hutchison is a violent man who attacked a defenceless woman leaving her with life-changing injuries."

She added: "Whilst the outcome will not take away the daily challenges she faces, learning to navigate life as a result of the injuries suffered at the hands of Hutchinson, I hope it will provide her with some comfort in knowing he is now being punished."

The court heard that police were called to Bethlehem Street in Grimsby on 15 April 2022 after reports of a fight outside The Bank pub after a man had been hit with a glass.

The next day officers attended Milton Road after reports of a fight involving four men, including Hutchison.

The force said two of the men had been seeking retaliation for injuries suffered the night before.

As the fight escalated, Hutchison caused damage to the men's car with a machete as a woman sat inside.

When the woman got out of the car, Hutchison swung a gardening tool towards her several times before eventually hitting her with it, police said.

The woman sustained a life-threatening head injury and remained in critical condition in hospital for three weeks and continues to receive treatment for her injuries.

"Violent crime will not be tolerated, and we will always do everything we can to seek justice for victims to ensure our communities feel safe and criminals are punished," Det Con Culton added.

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