Man who left neighbour with multiple facial fractures jailed for nine years

A man who violently attacked one of his neighbours with a wooden pole has been jailed for nine years.

The attack by Rishi Casseeram left his victim with multiple serious facial fractures as well as substantial bruising to his back.

The victim told officers who initially attended: "I can't believe this. He just kept hitting me."

The victim and Casseeram got into a verbal argument a few days before the attack took place in June last year.

On 25 June, the victim returned home and saw Casseeram coming towards him in his flat. He tried to shut the door but Casseeram forced his way in.

Surgeons who treated the victim said his injuries were consistent with being attacked with a blunt instrument like a baseball bat.

Casseeram was arrested at his flat in Dewsbury Road, Luton soon after the attack was reported to police.

Further investigation by police established that 35-year-old Casseeram had punched another of his neighbours in the face the day before.

He tried to claim in court that someone else had attacked the victim in the more serious assault, and he was acting in self-defence during the other incident.

But a jury found Casseeram guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and assault in December.

At Luton Crown Court on Friday (21 July), Casseeram was sentenced to eight years in prison for the GBH and a further year in prison for the assault.

The judge called Casseeram a 'dangerous' offender and he will have to serve a further four years on license.

Detective Sergeant Bill Haigh from Bedfordshire Police said: "This was an extraordinarily violent attack that left behind a truly shocking crime scene.

"The victim in this case will have to live with the impact of Casseeram's actions for the rest of his life.

"Violent thugs like Casseeram have no place on the streets of Bedfordshire. I am glad we have been able to put him behind bars for a considerable period of time.

"We will take action against violent offenders so if you have been attacked or have concerns about someone, please report it to us and help us keep our communities safe."