A man who attacked a love rival with a hammer before turning on his pregnant girlfriend has been jailed.

Craig Downer, 23, lashed out at the 20-year-old victim following an argument in a car park off Huntly Road, Woodston, Peterborough, on April 21, last year.

The victim suffered injuries to his head and legs in the attack.

The victim’s heavily pregnant girlfriend was also taken to hospital due to stomach pains after the incident, in which she claimed to have been dragged across the car park.

Downer, of Cowbridge Lane, Essex, was charged with wounding with intent, common assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

He denied the charges but was found guilty following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court on Wednesday (April 2) and jailed for a total of 47 months. The sentence includes two months of a previous suspended sentence.

PC George Neal said: “This was a nasty attack involving the use of a weapon. It is lucky the victim or his girlfriend did not suffer more serious injuries.

“Such behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities and this should send a strong message to anyone who thinks it is acceptable.”