Man attacked couple with knife, hammer and pole

Rutendo Matsika was jailed for 13 and a half years, with a further five years on licence

A man who attacked a couple with a knife, a hammer and a metal pole in front of their children has been jailed.

Rutendo Matsika drove to the victims' home in Costessey, near Norwich, on 26 August following a long-running feud with the pair.

The 35-year-old, of Church Road in Griston, near Attleborough, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.

He was sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison at Norwich Crown Court.

Det Con Thomas Walsh said: "This senseless act of violence inflicted immense suffering on the victims, while their children were in the house and could see what was happening."

Norfolk Police said Matsika attacked the man at the address in Blackhill Wood Lane with the knife and hammer, before striking him with the pole he had picked up from the floor.

When the woman came out of the house to intervene, he also struck her with the pole on the hand, elbow and head.

Officers said he drove off but was arrested a "short time later" in Sir Alfred Munnings Road.

Both victims were taken to hospital, and police said the man was still recovering from life-changing injuries.

The defendant was originally charged with attempted murder, but his guilty pleas to GBH were accepted by the court.

He also admitted possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article.

Matsika will be subject to five years on licence after his release.