Man from Cockermouth jailed for violent attack

A man from Cockermouth has been jailed for three years for ABH after an incident in January 2024.

Gareth Skillen, 41 of Ribton Close, Cockermouth was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court after pleading guilty.

The court heard how on 23 January 2024, police received a report that Skillen had assaulted another man.

Officers attended the victims address and observed who had facial injuries including swollen eyes, cheeks and head and had blood covering his face. The swelling to his eyes was so significant the victim was unable to see.

The victim told officers that on the 22 January Skillen arrived at his property and repeatedly stamped on his head and punched him to the face for a number of hours. Skillen also hit the victim with metal lamps, attempted to cut his ear off with a knife and attempted to drill his leg with an electric drill.

During the assault, Skillen threatened to kill the victim, who attempted to escape the scene, before being dragged back in.

Detective Constable Toby Gott said: "Skillen has clearly demonstrated his capacity for violence during this brutal attack.

"I am pleased that a dangerous man is now behind bars.

"Convictions such as this demonstrate that Cumbria Police will do everything we can to make sure those who engage in acts of violence are brought to justice."