A man has been jailed for nine years for a ferocious attack which left a ‘Good Samaritan’ with severe life changing injuries.

Geoff Burt tried to help a man who was being attacked but the offender turned on him and subjected him to a terrifying ordeal which left him in hospital for a month and suffering long-lasting medical concerns.

Joshua Sherriff, 22, from Bournemouth, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm during a Bournemouth Crown Court trial last month and has just been sentenced.

The court heard his 32-year-old victim suffered severe head injuries when he punched him in the face and kicked him in the head while unconscious on the ground. Sherriff also suggested he was in possession of a weapon and threatened to use it.

Detective Constable Vanessa Moyle said: “Geoff attempted to aid a man who was being attacked by Sherriff but, sadly, his public-spiritedness was met with violence and he has suffered severe head injuries and long-lasting medical concerns as a result.

“This was a ferocious and despicable attack that left Geoff, an innocent member of the public, hospitalised for over a month.”

The court was told the attack took place in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, in the early hours of Sunday, February 27, last year.

DC Moyle added: “Needless to say, Sherriff’s actions have had an enormous impact on Geoff and his family. I hope this sentence provides some comfort to Geoff and his family and sends a clear message that dangerous, violent behaviour will not be tolerated.”

She also thanked the witnesses who gave evidence.