A man in his 50s suffered a brutal glass attack when he tried to stop a thief stealing from a convenience store in Taunton.
The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, August 18, at a store on East Street. The victim bravely detained 35-year-old Christopher Cornish, who was caught stealing. However, Cornish violently retaliated by smashing a glass bottle into the man’s neck.
Not satisfied, Cornish struck the victim again with a second bottle, hitting him on the forehead. The victim lost consciousness and bled heavily in what police have described as a “truly horrific” attack.
READ MORE: Taxi Driver Seriously Injured in Crash Near Somerset-Dorset Border
READ MORE: Bath Rugby Player Ratings: Dominant 63-10 Victory over Edinburgh
Emergency services were quick to respond. The victim was rushed to hospital with deep wounds to the neck and forehead, injuries that required 16 stitches, 10 hours of continued treatment, and a complex 90-minute operation. Despite being discharged to recover at home, the scars sustained in the attack will be permanent.
Cornish, who has no fixed address, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to charges of grievous bodily harm with intent, theft, and resisting arrest. On Wednesday, January 14, at Taunton Crown Court (sitting at Worle), he was sentenced to four years and six months in prison.
Detective Constable Matt Barrett commented, “This horrific assault has left the victim with lasting scars, a constant reminder of his ordeal. Cornish’s violent attack on someone trying to prevent a theft was completely unjustifiable. I would also like to commend the prompt response of the officers and paramedics who treated the victim immediately after the attack.”