Man jailed for shovel handle assault

A man has been jailed following an altercation that left two victims with deep lacerations to their heads.

The incident took place at around 9.30pm on February 8 after a collision between two vehicles on Seaside Lane, Easington.

The collision led to a fight breaking out on nearby Station Road, where 33-year-old Kent Wallace, of no fixed abode, had armed himself with a shovel handle.

Wallace repeatedly struck his first victim – a man in his 30s – with the shovel handle, causing deep cuts to his head which required hospital treatment.

When a second man - in his 50s – attempted to intervene, Wallace further assaulted him with the weapon, also causing deep cuts to his head and face.

Wallace fled the scene but was arrested following extensive CCTV and forensic enquiries.

He was charged with affray, two counts of grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

The case was taken to trial where Wallace was found guilty by a jury of two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Appearing at Durham Crown Court yesterday, he was sentenced to 7 years in prison.

Detective Sergeant Ashley Hagar, of East Durham CID, said: “I commend the victims’ bravery in supporting this investigation, and I am thankful for the sentence handed down.

“Wallace was intent on using serious violence throughout the incident, and I hope this verdict illustrates how seriously we take such violence, and that we will work tirelessly to put those responsible before the courts.”

A man in his 20s is also awaiting trial in connection with the same incident.