Man jailed after attack in Alton leaves victim "likely to be permanently disabled"
Police say he nearly died
Last updated 12th Apr 2021
A 26 year old Alton man is behind bars for his part in an assault in the town that police say is likely to leave his victim permanently disabled.
It follows an attack on 26 July 2020, when, after an altercation, Tyler David Gard, of Winstreet Close, followed a man down the High Street and punched him, causing him to fall and hit his head on the curb.
Police say the 24 year old victim was rushed to hospital where he was placed into an induced coma, and was not expected to live.
Despite the initial prognosis, the victim made some recovery - but officers say he will likely be permanently disabled as a result of his head injury.
Gard handed himself in to police that same day, and on 3 March this year, pleaded pleaded guilty to Section 20 Grievous Bodily Harm at Winchester Crown Court.
He appeared before Winchester Crown Court last Friday (9 April) for sentencing - and was jailed for two years.
Detective Sergeant Dan Hunt said: "This act of violence very nearly resulted in the death of a man. Due to Gard's actions, this young man's life was changed in an instant.
"The victim will likely be permanently disabled, and he and his family are living with the consequences of this incident every day.
"A single and a split second decision can cause lasting damage to people's lives. The message to take away from this is, one punch can be devastating. If you find yourself getting involved in a confrontation or argument, stop, think about the potential consequences, and walk away.
"We would encourage everyone to think about how easily a momentary decision can affect the rest of your life and potentially others.
"I hope that this sentence provides closure to the victim of this violent and distressing attack, as well as reassurance to the wider public that offences like this one won't be tolerated.