Peterborough Man Goes Berserk with Metal Pole in Late-Night Attack
Alan Harding, 41, sparked terror in Burmer Road, Peterborough, late on 6 April 2020. At around 11.45pm, Harding and a woman barged to the front of a property, demanding money and yelling at residents.
Good Samaritan Gets Punched and Struck
As the shouting match heated up, a neighbour stepped out to help and calm things down. But Harding quickly turned on him, landing a punch to the face and shouting threats before storming off to his nearby car.
Attack Escalates with Metal Pole Assault
Moments later, Harding returned wielding a metal pole. The neighbour tried to flee, but Harding chased him, smashing the weapon down on the back of his head and causing a deep, nasty cut.
Harding Locked Up for 18 Months
Harding was arrested the next day. Police seized two metal poles from his silver Jaguar for forensic tests. He later pleaded guilty to assault causing grievous bodily harm without intent. On 13 April, Cambridge Crown Court sentenced him to 18 months behind bars.
DC Amanda Pickering said: “The victim was trying to help his neighbour and calm the situation down, but instead his good intentions were met with violence. Harding’s behaviour that night was totally unacceptable. The victim’s injuries could easily have been worse. Luckily, that was not the case, and he has gone on to make a full recovery.”
