A man has been jailed for more than three years after he stormed into a woman’s home and assaulted her in Basingstoke.

Dermot Ryan, 33, of Basingstoke Road, Micheldever, used force when entering a property in Crown Heights on Alencon Link on 6 March last year.

He pushed and punched a woman, who was known to him, and left her with injuries to her head and eye. Ryan was armed with a sharp-pointed nail at the time of the assault.

Winchester Crown Court heard he fled the scene empty handed and left a coat inside the flat, which was later seized by police.

Officers launched an investigation and arrested Ryan. He was later charged with burglary dwelling – with intent to steal and assaulting a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm.

He pleaded guilty to all offences and was jailed for three years and two months at Winchester Crown Court yesterday (13 January).

Police Staff Investigator Michael Longmore, said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victim, who was targeted by Ryan when inside her own home.

“She was attacked and left with injuries to her eye and head. Ryan’s actions were deplorable and I would like to praise the victim for coming forward.

“The impact of having your home targeted should not be underestimated and I’m really pleased that we have secured this outcome for the victim in this case.

“Our officers take reports of this kind extremely seriously and we will do everything in our power to put offenders before the courts.

“We urge anyone who has been the victim of dwelling burglary, or anyone who has information on burglary or stolen goods, to contact us on 101 or via our website.”