A Kirkbymoorside man who attacked his 19-year-old neighbour with an axe has been jailed for four years.

Graham Moore, 38, of Yeomans Court, was sentenced at York Crown Court today.

He pleaded guilty last month to Section 18 wounding with intent, and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon – the two axes used in the attack.

The incident took place earlier this year in April when the victim was home alone.

The 38-year-old broke into the victim’s house unprovoked, armed with two axes.

Moore struck the victim multiple times with the weapons and chased the victim up the stairs, before he was able to lock himself in the bathroom and call for help through the window.

The victim sustained wounds to his right arm, left elbow, upper back, and his head.

Paramedics arrived at the scene to treat the victim but Moore left the scene in his Fiat Panda car.

Moore was arrested around 11am and two axes were recovered from the vehicle for forensic examination.

Police Staff Investigator Paul Thompson, from Scarborough and Ryedale CID, successfully applied for a restraining order against Moore to reassure the victim.

He said: ““The victim has been deeply traumatised by this random attack in his home and is fearful of any repeat behaviour when Moore is released from prison.

“Given the sheer ferocity of the attack, and for the victim’s safety and mental well-being, the restraining order will remain in place indefinitely.”