Suffolk: David Perry jailed after Clare pub axe attack

David Perry,  of St Margarets Place, Stradishall, near Newmarket, appeared in Ipswich Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday, April 19.

The 40-year-old had been found guilty by jury on January 17 this year.

David Perry has been jailed for 24 years. (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

Perry had denied attempted murder but admitted possession of an offensive weapon and wounding the victim with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The attack occurred on March 19 last year, when Perry had been drinking alone at the Bell hotel in Clare, near Sudbury, before the victim came in with two friends.

After an argument, Perry was ejected from the pub but returned with an axe, that he claimed he was using as a "deterrent".

The attack happened at The Bell in Clare.

He was caught on CCTV charging at the stranger with the weapon and planting the blade on his head.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital with head injuries and underwent surgery.

Medical experts said his injuries could have been life-threatening or left him permanently disabled.

Judge Martyn Levett handed Perry a 24-year prison sentence for attempted murder, and an 18-month sentence for possession of a weapon, to be served concurrently to the 24 years.

He was also given a restraining order to not contact the victim's family until a further order is given.