Man jailed for spade assault in Hartlepool
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A Hartlepool man has been jailed for seven and a half years for a violently assaulting another man with a spade.
Darren Watson, 49, had been drinking in The Ship Inn pub in Hartlepool on Friday 29th June 2023. He was in the outdoor area when he hit the 29-year-old man twice over the head with the shovel, leaving him with an eight-inch wound. He then continues to assault the man by punching him seven times.
Watson was sentenced on Friday 14th February for grievous bodily harm with intent to four and a half years in prison, with three years on extended licence.
DC Stephanie Macdonald, who investigated the assault said: “I’m pleased with Friday’s court result. The sentence handed to Watson reflects the level of violence used against a victim who was heavily intoxicated and in no position to defend himself.
“I hope this sends a clear message that violence will never be tolerated, and we will always work to ensure justice for violent behaviour like this.”