A man has been jailed for almost five years for an unprovoked serious assault on an employee of South Swindon Parish Council.
On 9 September last year Zak Nicholson, 25, of Westbourne Court, Jennings Street, Rodbourne, and his cousin, Linval Nicholson, 42, of no fixed abode, targeted a South Swindon Parish Council worker who was cleaning in the Broadgreen area.
Zak Nicholson repeatedly struck the victim, a man in his 50s, on the head with an extendable baton he was carrying with him, causing serious injuries which were fortunately not life-changing.
The defendant was accompanied by Linval Nicholson, who also chased the victim, swinging a rucksack at him, spraying liquid at him and verbally abusing him.
The victim needed hospital treatment. The assault was captured on CCTV and the thugs were swiftly arrested.
In a hearing at Swindon Crown Court, Zak Nicholson pleaded guilty to Section 18 grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and driving without a licence and insurance.
He was jailed for four years and eleven months, and is required to pay a victim surcharge of £228.
Linval Nicholson pleaded guilty to common assault and was sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment, plus a £154 victim surcharge.
DC Saunders of the Swindon Local Policing Tasking Team said: “This was an unprovoked, serious assault on a council worker which caused the victim to fear for his life.
“Attacks on council workers who are simply doing their jobs will not be tolerated.
“I would like to thank the victim for their support throughout the investigation as I know the complications and worries that the prospect of court trials and processes can cause.
“Without victims’ support, we wouldn’t be able to bring dangerous offenders like Zak Nicholson to justice.”
Rebecca Banwell-Moore, Vice-Chair, South Swindon Parish Council said: "This was an unprovoked and extremely traumatic attack on a member of our staff, one of our parish street cleaners, who works tirelessly to keep our community clean and tidy.
“No one should face violence in their workplace, and we are pleased that justice has been served.
“We are incredibly grateful for the bravery they have shown throughout this ordeal.
“We remain committed to protecting and supporting all our employees as they continue their vital work for South Swindon."
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