Man jailed after hammer attack on woman at her home
He had breached a restraining order to persuade the woman to restart their relationship
Last updated 25th Sep 2026
A man has been sentenced to seven years and six months behind bars after being convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to a woman and breaching a restraining order.
Johnathan Harvey, 34, of Albany Road, Redruth, in Cornwall, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 18th September, having been convicted by a jury in July.
The court heard that Harvey had breached an earlier court order by contacting the woman and persuading her to restart a relationship with him.
The woman soon became concerned about his behaviour.
In October 2025, Harvey attacked the woman with a hammer at her home in Bristol.
He struck her on the head before fleeing the scene.
The woman managed to run to a neighbour's house, and emergency services were called.
She needed hospital treatment for her injuries.
In an impact statement, the 34-year-old woman said:
"Johnathan Harvey continues to change my life in ways I never thought possible.
There are days when I feel like a shell of the person I used to be, afraid to leave my house, experiencing panic attacks.
I struggle with nightmares and continue to live with the weight of everything that happened that night."
Acting Detective Sergeant Matt Morris, the officer in the case, said:
"I believe that Johnathan Harvey poses a significant danger to women with whom he forms intimate relationships.
"The survivor demonstrated exceptional bravery throughout this investigation and trial.
"Her courage and determination have been instrumental in securing this conviction, and I would like to thank her for the support and commitment she has shown throughout the criminal justice process.
"The sentence imposed by the court reflects the seriousness of his offending and the risk he continues to present, with the judge determining that Harvey met the criteria of a dangerous offender.
"Tackling violence against women and girls is a policing priority, and we remain committed to identifying, investigating and bringing offenders to justice.
"I hope the outcome of this case gives other victims the confidence to come forward, knowing they will be listened to, supported and taken seriously."
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