Police welcome jail term handed to Hartlepool thug for 'most horrendous attack'

James Harll, 33, was jailed for six years and three months last week after admitting grievous bodily harm with intent and actual bodily harm in the attack.

Teesside Crown Court was told that he launched a ferocious attack on the victim on August 30 after Harll was asked to collect a child early because of illness.

The court heard that Harll, of Cranwell Road, Hartlepool, complained that the situation had spoiled his night out and followed the victim inside his home before attacking him.

The victim lost consciousness and spent time in intensive care while recovering from multiple injuries.

Investigating Officer, Detective Constable John Smith, from Middlesbrough CID has now said: “The sentencing of James Harll is welcomed as he carried out the most violent and brutal attack during an incident last year which will no doubt impact on the victim’s life for a very long time.“The victim endured the most horrendous attack which resulted in him being treated in intensive care.

"He was punched, kicked and stamped on repeatedly, causing extensive injuries to the victim’s head and chest.

“No sentence will ever take back the traumatic ordeal that the victim had to suffer, but I hope he can take comfort knowing that Harll will be behind bars for a long time paying for his crimes.”

Harll’s barrister, Ian Mullarkey, mitigating, told the court: “The defendant deeply regrets his conduct.”

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