Man jailed after attacking victim with metal pole

Anthony Blackwood was jailed for 13 and a half years at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday

A man who invited a passer-by into his flat and then attacked him with a metal pole has been jailed for 13 and a half years.

Anthony Blackwood, 46, of Scotia Drive, Sheffield, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent.

He met his victim on City Road on 8 February and invited him to stay with him. He then attacked the man, leaving him with life-threatening brain injuries, South Yorkshire Police said.

Det Con Kevin Sibley said: "Violence of this kind has no place in our communities and we will take swift action against individuals like Blackwood in order to keep members of the public safe."

Blackwood tried to cover up the attack by cleaning up the scene and changing his clothes, according to police.

Neighbours phoned the emergency services and when Blackwood was arrested, he claimed the victim had hit his own head on a sideboard.

Officers discovered Blackwood was telling a "false version of events" after forensic evidence showed the man had been struck repeatedly and also had a stab wound in his stomach.

"We also sought expert medical evidence from a forensic pathologist who affirmed that a blunt heavy weapon was used, with the victim suffering a complex depressed skull fracture and bleeding on the surface of the brain," Mr Sibley said.

He added that the victim was "fortunate to be alive" following the attack.

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