Man attacked two people on day of prison release

Wayne Blackburn was returned to prison within 24 hours of his release

A man who attacked two people in "random and unprovoked" assaults on the day he was released from prison is now back behind bars.

Wayne Blackburn, 43, of Milton Street, Swanscombe, Kent, attacked the victims in their homes while in an intoxicated state.

It happened hours after he was freed from jail on licence. Blackburn, described by police as a "violent and untrustworthy individual", pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and assault by beating.

He was jailed for two years and four months on Wednesday, and ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation to the victim of the wounding within 18 months.

Blackburn was released on licence at 10:00 GMT on 17 October 2024, and by the end of the day was in an intoxicated state, police said.

At 21.30 he forced his way into an address and was asked to leave by the resident who had no idea who he was.

Blackburn suddenly punched and head butted the man several times and caused a serious injury by biting the victim's thumb as he tried to defend himself.

After Blackburn left the premises he went to a second address in the village and knocked on the door.

He tried to enter when the door was opened and was forced out by the person who lived there.

Police were called to the incidents and Blackburn was arrested.

He was charged, recalled to prison, and later pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court.

Det Con Maria Pereira said: "This man was released from prison on licence and was given the opportunity to show he had reformed.

"Sadly he failed to live up to this hope and promptly assaulted two people in their own homes. The assaults were entirely random and unprovoked.

"Blackburn is patently a violent and untrustworthy individual and further period in prison will certainly reassure the residents on Swanscombe."