Christopher Cornish has been jailed for four years and six months after an attack in Taunton. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

Thief attacked man with wine bottles in brutal Taunton attack

Paul JonesJanuary 16, 20261 Comment0

CHRISTOPHER Cornish has been jailed after attacking a man with wine bottles – leaving him with permanent scars.

Cornish, of no fixed abode, was carrying out a theft at a convenience store in East Street, Taunton, in August last year when the incident unfolded.

The 35-year-old was detained by a man in his 50s in the shop – and hit his assailant in the neck with a wine bottle, which smashed, before then hitting him in the head with a second bottle – causing the victim to pass out and lose a “significant amount” of blood.

On Wednesday (January 14), at Taunton Crown Court sitting in Worle, Cornish pleaded guilty to section 18 grievous bodily harm, intent to resist arrest, and theft, and was jailed for four years and six months.

The court heard how the victim suffered serious injuries in the attack, and was taken to hospital for treatment for deep wounds to the neck and forehead, resulting in permanent scarring.

They required 16 stitches, 10 hours of hospital treatment and a 90-minute operation. Thankfully, he has since been discharged to continue his recovery at home.

After the sentencing DC Matt Barrett, officer in the case, said: “This was a truly horrific incident which left a man with significant injuries, and the permanent scarring he has suffered will serve as a constant reminder of the ordeal.

“Cornish carried out a violent and unjust attack on the victim who stepped in to apprehend him from committing a theft within the store.

“There were significant aggravating factors within this case, and I would like to thank the police officers and paramedics who attended and treated the victim’s injuries within minutes of the attack.”