Grant Edward Chase, aged 29, from Weymouth, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 24 February 2021 after admitting an offence of aggravated burglary.

He also admitted a public order offence and breaching a suspended sentence and received a total jail term of nine years, with an extended licence period of a further three years.

The victim was a man aged in his 50s, who was working at the commercial premises off Newbury when two men entered. He recognised Chase, who was carrying a short baseball bat, and initially thought it was a joke.

Chase approached the victim and demanded money before striking him several times to the head with the bat.

The defendant also threatened to stab the victim, put his hand into his pocket and showed a handle. The victim believed he was showing him a knife.

The victim was able to push the defendant away and ran out of the premises. He was taken to hospital where he received a total of 12 stitches to injuries to his head.

Following enquiries, Chase was located in the Blandford area on 15 October 2020 and arrested.

Detective Constable Holly Spillman, of Weymouth CID, said, “This was a violent and unprovoked attack on a man at his place of work and must have been a terrifying ordeal for the victim.

“I hope the sentence imposed demonstrates that violence of this nature will not be tolerated and offenders will be dealt with robustly.”