Man Gets 9 Years For Attack In Bournemouth

A man has been sent to prison for nine years after being found guilty of a life-changing attack on a man in Bournemouth.

Joshua Sherriff, a 22-year-old from Bournemouth, subjected 32-year-old Geoff Burt to a terrifying assault along Old Christchurch road during the early hours of the morning on Sunday 27 February 2011. 

Sherriff punched Mr Burt in the face, before kicking him in the head while he lay unconscious on the ground.. He also suggested that he was in possession of a weapon and threatened to use it.

Mr Burt, from Bournemouth, sustained extremely serious head injuries.

Sherriff was convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent on Wednesday 22 February 2012 at Bournemouth Crown Court. He was sentenced at the same court on Monday 12 March 2012.

Speaking about the sentencing and on behalf of Geoff Burt and his family, Detective Constable Vanessa Moyle, the officer in the case, said: 

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

“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.

“Needless to say, Sheriff’s actions have had an enormous impact on Geoff and his family.

“I hope that this sentence provides some comfort to Geoff and his family and that it also sends a clear message that dangerous and violent behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I would also like to express my thanks to all the witnesses who came forward and gave evidence during the trial.”

The CPS prosecutor was Desmond Duffy.