Hello,

We wanted to bring you an update from court late last week.

On Friday (2 August) a 40-year-old man from Hythe was convicted and sentenced following a brutal attack on a homeowner, in which a number of watches were then stolen from inside the property in the process.

Marcus James Hearn, aged 40, of Mortimer Close, Totton was jailed to six years and six months following his involvement.

Southampton Crown Court heard how Hearn had approached an address in Rumbridge Street in Totton at around 8pm on Sunday 10 December last year by aggressively, and repeatedly, banging on the door.

The victim – a man in his 50s – opened the door only to see Hearn physically force himself inside the address before the victim was assaulted; leaving him with injuries amounting to grievous bodily harm – including a fractured eye socket which would then require surgery.

During the assault Hearn stole a number of high-value watches before fleeing the scene.

The court heard how officers responded, identified and arrested Hearn at his home address within 3 hours of it being reported following extensive police. Upon arrival, Hearn was found to be in possession of a bag which contained the victims watches. These have since been recovered and returned to the victim.

During arrest attempts at the address, Hearn was seen to assault an officer causing minor injuries. He was subsequently arrested, and later charged, with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, burglary dwelling with violence and assaulting an emergency worker.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court on Friday 2 August, he was sentenced to six years and six months in prison.

PSI Sarah Stewart who led the investigation, said: “Hearn showed no regard for his victims during this brutal incident in which a homeowner was attacked and an officer injured while carrying out their duties as police officer.

“The manner and severity of Hearn’s action – taking into account the injuries suffered by the victim – demonstrate how hell-bent Hearn was on inflicting harm through the course of his actions on that evening. Thankfully this has been reflected in the sentencing handed down by the judge.

“I hope that this demonstrates to the local community – and wider public – that we will not tolerate instances of such behaviour on the streets of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who are committing harm in our communities and bring them to justice for their actions.”