Accrington man jailed after using dumbbell in vicious attack
The judge described Jamie O'Shea as 'dangerous'
An Accrington man has been jailed after using a dumbbell bar in a vicious attack on his former girlfriend and a man as they slept.
Jamie O'Shea let himself into an unlocked house on 27 August 2022 and both victims woke up to find themselves covered in blood.
The man suffered particularly serious injuries - he had nine metal plates inserted into his face after suffering facial fractures.
In a victim impact statement, he said he was on a liquid-only diet for several weeks and that his life had been seriously affected by what happened.
O'Shea's former partner suffered a cut to the top of her head, bruising to her face and a displaced fracture to her right elbow.
The man's blood was found a dumbbell bar found downstairs in the house and on one of O'Shea's shoes.
O'Shea's phone connected to the wi-fi router at the house which placed him at the scene.
After being arrested and bailed, O'Shea phoned the police twice and made serious threats.
In the first, he said he would kill a police officer and slit the throat of a member of the public.
During the second call a couple of days later, he repeated the throat-slitting threat.
In both calls, he referenced Dale Cregan and Raoul Moat.
When he was arrested again, he was found sleeping in a tent in Bullough Park woods whilst in possession of a meat cleaver.
O'Shea, 32, of St Leger Court, Accrington, pleaded guilty to section 18 causing grievous bodily harm with intent, assault causing actual bodily harm, two charges of malicious communications and possession of a bladed weapon.
Judge Gary Mathieson described O'Shea as 'dangerous' and sentenced him to seven years with an extended three-year licence period.
Det Sgt Dave Bowler of Blackburn Police said:
"These were shocking offences, with an extreme level of violence shown by O’Shea.
"Two people were subject to violent assaults with significant injuries inflicted.
"I welcome the sentence given by the judge."