Hayling Island Man Locked Up for Brutal GBH Assault
A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to four years and three months in jail for a savage GBH assault and a separate battery offence on Hayling Island last March.
Two Attacks in One Weekend
Richard Bolder, from Fathoms Reach, was handed the sentence at Swindon Crown Court on Thursday 5 November after a week-long trial. The battery happened on the evening of Saturday 7 March, while the more serious GBH assault took place in the early hours of Sunday 8 March at the Dovercourt and the Oven Campsite.
Bolder pleaded guilty to battery, caught on CCTV, but denied causing grievous bodily harm to a woman in her twenties. The attack left her with serious bruising and swelling across her face and body.
Victim Praised for Bravery
“I hope that the victim, in this case, can finally begin to rebuild her life in the knowledge that Bolder is now in prison,” said Police Staff Investigator Natalie Woods. “This was a vicious assault against an extremely vulnerable lady.”
Bolder claimed he couldn’t remember much of the night, suggesting his drink may have been spiked. He even hinted the victim might have inflicted the injuries on herself but denied the GBH offence throughout.
“I am relieved that the jury found Bolder guilty after our thorough investigation as part of our commitment to tackling those who cause the most harm to our communities. I would like to commend the victim for her continued bravery throughout.”
