AN Alton man has been jailed for 10 years at Winchester Crown Court after an attempted robbery left a 67-year-old man with a knife wound to his stomach.

Pawel Zimnicki, 22, of Russett Road, Alton, had pleaded guilty to charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, attempted robbery and possession of a knife in a public place after the attack on Old Odiham Road on December 28.

The court heard last Friday that the victim had just left the Eight Bells pub on Church Street and was walking up the road toward Greenfields Avenue. As he passed the Robin’s Nest block of flats he noticed someone loitering outside.

The victim continued walking up the road and when he was at the junction with Old Odiham Road and Greenfields Avenue he was approached by Zimnicki, who

was brandishing a knife and demanded money from him.

A struggle took place between the attacker, who was wearing a balaclava, and the victim, during which the pensioner received a serious cut to his abdomen. Nothing was taken and Zimnicki ran off.

The victim was initially taken to Frimley Park Hospital but was later transferred to St George’s Hospital in Tooting for surgery. He is now recovering at home.

Zimnicki was later arrested and remanded in custody, appearing at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on January 11 and at Winchester Crown Court on February 11 where he pleaded guilty to three offences.

He was sentenced at Winchester on March 4, and was sent to prison for 10 years on a count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He also received eight years for attempted robbery and 15 months for possession of a knife in a public place, all of which will run concurrently.

Commenting on the sentencing, investigating officer Detective Inspector Justin Torgout said: "This was an unprovoked incident which left the victim with a serious injury. The length of the sentence imposed by the court reflects just how serious it was.

"I am extremely glad that we have been able to secure a positive result for the victim of this attack, as incidents like this are very rare in Alton.”