A Totton man has been jailed following a brutal attack on a homeowner.

Southampton Crown Court heard how Marcus James Hearn, 40, had aggressively and repeatedly banged on the door of an address in Rumbridge Street in Totton at around 8pm on Sunday, December 10 last year.

The victim – a man in his 50s – opened the door to see Hearn force himself inside before assaulting him.

This left him with injuries amounting to grievous bodily harm – including a fractured eye socket which would then require surgery. 

During the assault Hearn stole a number of high-value watches before fleeing the scene.

Hearn was arrested at his home address in Mortimer Close, Totton within three hours of the crime being reported, police said.

A bag containing the watches was found and these have since been returned to the victim. 

He was also sentenced for assaulting an officer while being arrested.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court on Friday 2 August, he was sentenced to six years and six months in prison for causing grievous bodily harm with intent, burglary dwelling with violence and assaulting an emergency worker.

PSI Sarah Stewart who led the investigation, said: “Hearn showed no regard for his victims during this brutal incident in which a homeowner was attacked and an officer injured while carrying out their duties as police officer. 

“The manner and severity of Hearn’s action – taking into account the injuries suffered by the victim – demonstrate how hell-bent Hearn was on inflicting harm through the course of his actions on that evening. Thankfully this has been reflected in the sentencing handed down by the judge. 

“I hope that this demonstrates to the local community – and wider public – that we will not tolerate instances of such behaviour on the streets of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who are committing harm in our communities and bring them to justice for their actions.”