A 33-year-old man has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years, after he left a man with multiple fractures and permanent sight loss during an assault in Hemel Hempstead.

Leon Edmund was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday (August 25), having pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm (GBH), causing actual bodily harm (ABH) and an assault by beating.

The incident took place in Warners End, on the evening of Saturday, March 25.

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At that time, Edmund and his victim were travelling back from a charity boxing event in Watford.

The pair returned on the same minibus, on which a "verbal altercation" had taken place.

As they arrived in Hemel Hempstead, Edmund waited for the victim and his family to get off the minibus, before launching a "savage" attack on the victim.

Herts Advertiser: A custody image of Leon Edmund.A custody image of Leon Edmund. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

According to Hertfordshire Constabulary, Edmund punched him to the ground twice and continued to strike him several more times while he laid unconscious and unable to protect himself. 

He also assaulted the victim's partner and son during the incident.

He finally stopped when a member of the public intervened.

Edmund then left the area.

His victim was taken to hospital with "multiple and extensive" fractures to his face, including both eye sockets, fractured cheekbones, a broken nose and a broken jaw.

He also sustained permanent partial sight loss in one eye.

The following morning, Edmund was arrested at his address in Ritcroft Street and was later charged.

                                                                                            

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Detective Constable Leanne Hollowday said: "This was a violent and sustained attack on a man who was simply enjoying a night out with his family and supporting a friend at a charity event.

“Several people attempted to take Edmund away from the area, but he repeatedly refused and launched his attack, leaving the victim unconscious and with permanent, life-changing injuries.

“I am pleased that the sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of the offence.

"I hope it gives Edmund a chance to reflect on his terrible actions and time for the victims and their family to continue their recovery from this ordeal.”