Man jailed for axe attack on teenage neighbour

Graham Moore, 38, was sentenced at York Crown Court on Thursday

A man who burst into his teenage neighbour's home and attacked him with an axe has been jailed for four years.

Graham Moore repeatedly inflicted blows to the victim's head and body after he entered the property in the town of Kirkbymoorside on 26 April, North Yorkshire Police said.

Moore, 38, pursued the 19-year-old up the house's stairs and "landed further blows on him".

He was sentenced at York Crown Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to one charge of Section 18 wounding with intent and one count of possessing an offensive weapon.

The victim managed to escape by locking himself in the bathroom and calling for help, police added. He was later treated for several wounds.

Moore left the scene and was arrested later that morning at Monks Cross Shopping Centre in York.

Investigating officer Paul Thompson, from the force, said that Moore had no previous convictions and had never revealed his motive for the attack.

"This was an horrendous incident which left the normally quiet market town and civil parish of Kirkbymoorside shaken," he said.

"Whatever the reason, and we may never know, there is no excuse whatsoever for this behaviour.

"With the continued help of his family and friends, the victim is making a good recovery and thankfully can readjust to life and regain some of his confidence."

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