A man from Luton who pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent, has been jailed, after an incident in April 2020, in which a woman sustained a serious eye injury.
John Cole, 54, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment on Friday, May 21 at Luton Crown Court.
At the woman’s home address in Luton on the morning of April 7, 2020, a heated argument between the pair escalated, and Cole forced his thumb into the woman’s left eye, causing a significant injury, that required immediate medical attention followed by subsequent further surgeries.
After dropping the victim at the Luton and Dunstable hospital, Cole fled.
Officers launched an extensive manhunt to find Cole, including wide media coverage which included a report on BBC One’s Crimewatch Roadshow programme.
On November 28, acting on information received, Cole was arrested by officers at an address in Luton, and charged and remanded at Luton Magistrates’ Court on November 30.
Detective Sergeant Matt Stonnell, who investigated, said: “This was a vicious assault, which resulted in the victim suffering some permanent sight loss and ongoing treatment.
“Cole then evaded police for some months, rather than own up to what he had done, and face the consequences of his brutal action.
“He has now been brought to account, and this demonstrates we will do all we can to apprehend a violent offender.”
If you are a victim of violence, or are concerned for someone else, please call the police on 101. If a crime is in progress, or in if someone is in danger, always call 999.
