A teenager from Scarborough has been jailed for attacking a man with a shovel in a horrifying and shocking attack.
On Sunday, August 4, last year, Matthew Heap attacked the victim, hitting them repeatedly over the head and shoulder with a shovel. The victim was left with severe injuries, including lacerations to the back of his head, a fractured shoulder and other wounds.
Following the attack, Heap fled but was arrested later in the Humberside police force area. The shovel which Heap used in the attack was found hidden in some bushes at the junction of Green Lane and Colescliffe Road. Heap’s DNA was found on the handle and the victim’s DNA was found on the shovel.
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When he was arrested, Heap was also found in possession of 30 wraps of heroin and a ‘burner’ phone. During his first appearance in court, Heap admitted to wounding with intent and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. On Tuesday, January 14, at York Crown Court, he was sentenced to six years in a Younger Offender Institution.
The victim was left seriously injured after being attacked with a shovel in Scarborough
(Image: North Yorkshire Police)
North Yorkshire Police ’s Investigating Officer Detective Constable Sam Rivers said: “This case presented significant challenges. Heap is a well-known figure on the Barrowcliff estate, and we believe some witnesses hesitated to come forward due to fear of repercussions.
“Heap has been a source of fear in this community for some time, but his violent actions have finally caught up with him. Thanks to the bravery of the victim, who stood firm and provided crucial evidence, justice has been served.
“Residents of Barrowcliff can take some comfort knowing this violent individual is now off the streets. The police and courts take violent offences extremely seriously and will continue to work tirelessly to bring offenders like Heap to justice.”