Three burglars have been sentenced to nearly a quarter century behind bars following a machete attack during a robbery.

The men were each sent down for eight years at Chelmsford Crown Court today for the attempted murder of David Woodrow.

Mr Woodrow was at home minding his own business at his houseboat at Fullbridge Quay Maldon when the men broke in and attacked.

The 62-year-old was hacked with the weapon and received six deep wounds including one to his neck and he nearly died on the operating table as surgeons battled to save him when his heart stopped.

Shane Hawes, 26 of Mell Road, Tollesbury, Nicholas Hills, 19 of Rochford Garden Way, Rochford and Sonny Hall, 19 of Tylney Hall Avenue, Rochford all received prison sentences of eight years for the attack in October last year.

The men had all denied attempted murder but were found guilty by a jury earlier this month.

Detective Sergeant Gary Robinson of Chelmsford CID said: “The motive for this violent attack on a man in his own home was robbery.

“The attack on David Woodrow with a machete left him with horrific injuries and his only method of communication was taken away from him leaving him unable to call for assistance.”