Detective praises Christmas Day assault victim, as attacker is jailed.

A detective has paid tribute to the victim of an assault who had to flee barefoot and injured after being attacked.

This came as Jonathon Blyth, 35, received a 14-month prison sentence along with a five-year restraining order after being sentenced last week for unlawful wounding and criminal damage.

The incident happened on Christmas Day 2021 and despite the victim initially withdrawing her complaint, her later support for officers’ enquiries led to Blyth pleading guilty.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Genyfer Smith said: “This was a violent and shocking incident which understandably left the victim terrified but she was brave enough to report to police.

“Her fear meant she wavered in her support of our investigation but the rapport I’d built up with her meant she understood the benefit of supporting our enquiries so that justice could be served.

“Her courage in attending court and the expert care she received from the excellent and highly trained Witness Care Officers there undoubtedly led to Blyth feeling he had no option but to accept responsibility for what he had done.

“I do hope this result brings a degree of comfort to the lady and I wish her well for the future.

“This outcome demonstrates how we as police interact and engage with victims is vital in achieving the most timely and best possible result for them.”