A 31-YEAR-OLD who attacked a man with the shaft of a golf club has been jailed.

Matthew East was locked up for three years on Monday having earlier been convicted of unlawful wounding by jurors at Oxford Crown Court.

East, of The Crescent, East Hagbourne, attacked Kristopher Persson on July 16, 2010.

The unprovoked incident took place in Laburnum Grove, Didcot.

Speaking after Monday’s court hearing, investigating officer Pc Matt Richardson praised the victim for his bravery in giving evidence.

He said: “On July 16, 2010, East attacked his victim in Laburnum Grove, Didcot, without any provocation.

“The attack has left the victim with a facial scar he will have for the rest of his life.

“The investigation was prolonged due to complications with obtaining medical evidence and at one point it looked as though the case was going to fall through.

“If it wasn’t for the patience of the victim and witnesses throughout the investigation and their bravery in attending court despite fear of intimidation I am confident the case would not have had the positive outcome handed out this week.”

He added: “It is still unclear as to why the attack took place.

“East denied the allegation throughout.

“The victim has lived in fear of East while the investigation was on going, and only now that he has been imprisoned nearly two years since the attack can the victim begin to try and get back to living as normal.”