House guest jailed for attacking host over meal

Mark Maxted's reaction was "over the top", Nottinghamshire Police said

A man has been jailed for launching a "savage" attack on an old school friend over a meal.

Mark Maxted was jailed for eight years for the prolonged assault carried out in the victim's home.

The 54-year-old was staying at his victim's house in Rainworth, Nottinghamshire, in March 2022 and had bought some food for the pair to eat.

But after his friend declined the meal, Maxted headbutted, punched and strangled him, bit his hand when his victim tried to defend himself, and then struck him on the head and knee with a glass bottle.

Maxted then fled the scene, leaving his victim with injuries to his face and knee.

He also required multiple operations afterwards for an injury to his hand.

Maxted was caught by police soon afterwards.

He denied wounding with intent but in June this year was found guilty at a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.

On 9 September Maxted, of Harrison Road in Mansfield, was jailed for eight years, and was told he will then have to serve a further four years on licence.

He was also issued with an indefinite restraining order, preventing him from contacting his victim again, and fined a £190 victim surcharge.

Det Con Chloe Baugh said she was pleased Maxted had been locked up for "a savage attack".

She said: "Maxted's response to the smallest of perceived slights was staggeringly over the top.

"This type of behaviour simply cannot be allowed to go unpunished and has absolutely no place in our communities."