Jealous Neil Harrison repeatedly hit another man over the head with a rubber mallet for dating his former girlfriend, writes Andrew French.

Oxford Crown Court heard yesterday (FRI) how Harrison, 27, of Old Grimsbury Road, Banbury, launched the savage attack on Barry Smith on June 9 after motorcyclist Mr Smith took Nichola Ward out for a meal.

When the couple returned to Mr Smith's home in West Street, Banbury, with Miss Ward riding pillion, Harrison was waiting for them.

Tony McGeorge, prosecuting, said: "The defendant had a rubber mallet and he launched a ferocious attack, mostly aimed at Mr Smith's head.

"Despite wearing a crash helmet he could feel the weight of the blows, which rained on him until his visor smashed. The girl was hysterical and ran to a nearby house to call the police." The court heard that Mr Smith suffered multiple bruises, concussion and a fractured shoulder blade.

The defendant, who pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and criminal damage, gave himself up to police shortly after the attack.

Paul Bogan, defending, said his client wanted to apologise for the unwarranted and unprovoked attack.

"Thankfully, there is nothing to suggest that the injuries to Mr Smith were of a permanent nature," he added.

"The incident was motivated by some form of jealousy, though he was not having a relationship with Miss Ward at the time."

Judge Anne Campbell jailed Harrison for two years for the attack.

He was given a two-month concurrent jail sentence for causing criminal damage to the motorbike, which will run concurrently.

Story date: Monday 21 February

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