Man jailed for hammer attack on woman

A man has been jailed for seven years and six months after a jury convicted him of causing grievous bodily harm to a woman and breaching a restraining order.

Johnathan Harvey, 34, of Albany Road, Redruth, in Cornwall, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 18 September, following his conviction in July.

The court heard that Harvey breached an earlier court order by contacting the woman and persuading her to restart a relationship.

The woman soon became concerned about his behaviour, and just months later, in October 2025, Harvey attacked her with a hammer at her home in Bristol.

Harvey struck her on the head, and fled the scene after, thankfully, she managed to run to a neighbour’s house, resulting the emergency services being called. She needed hospital treatment for her injuries.

In an impact statement, the 34-year-old woman said: “Johnathan Harvey continues to change my life in ways I never thought possible. There are days when I feel like a shell of the person I used to be – afraid to leave my house, experiencing panic attacks … I struggle with nightmares and continue to live with the weight of everything that happened that night.”

Officer in the case, acting Detective Sergeant Matt Morris, said: “I believe that Johnathan Harvey poses a significant danger to women with whom he forms intimate relationships.

“The survivor demonstrated exceptional bravery throughout this investigation and trial. Her courage and determination have been instrumental in securing this conviction, and I would like to thank her for the support and commitment she has shown throughout the criminal justice process

“The sentence imposed by the court reflects the seriousness of his offending and the risk he continues to present, with the judge determining that Harvey met the criteria of a dangerous offender.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a policing priority, and we remain committed to identifying, investigating and bringing offenders to justice. I hope the outcome of this case gives other victims the confidence to come forward, knowing they will be listened to, supported and taken seriously.”