Hammer attacker jailed after 'sickening' assaults

David Cairney was jailed for 23 years at Preston Crown Court

A man has been sent to prison after a "sickening" hammer attack that left one victim with a fractured skull and another with a fractured eye socket.

David Cairney, of no fixed address, attacked a man inside a flat in Stonyhurst Road, Blackburn, on 30 March 2024, Lancashire Police said.

A woman, who went to the victim's aid, was also attacked with the hammer before Cairney stole the male victim's bank card and wallet.

The 36-year-old was found guilty of wounding, robbery and attempted strangulation at Preston Crown Court, and jailed for 23 years.

'Dangerous individual'

Both victims suffered a number of serious injuries which required hospital treatment, police said.

In an impact statement to the court, the male victim stated: "I had to stay in the hospital for three weeks due to the severity of the injuries.

"One night, I was rushed down for an emergency scan to check where a piece of my skull was because they thought it had pierced my brain," his statement recalled.

"Whilst I was in hospital, I began to have nightmares and flashbacks of the assault.

"These have continued to the present day."

Following the sentencing, Det Sgt Sian Hindle said: "David Cairney is an extremely violent man who carried out a sickening attack on two vulnerable victims.

"Today's sentence reflects the seriousness of Cairney's crime, and the danger his violent and sickening behaviour poses to the public.

"I want to commend the victims for their courage in speaking out against such a dangerous individual."