A MAN has been jailed for a “hideous” attack with a baseball bat against a man and the woman who tried to protect him.

Kane Patrick Hunter inflicted serious injuries on the man during a disturbance at an address near his home before turning on the woman who tried to intervene.

The 23-year-old, of Westbourne Grove, Scarborough, was jailed for 15 months at York Crown Court after pleading guilty to affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was also breaching a suspended sentence, the court heard.

After the sentencing, a North Yorkshire Police detective described the attack as a “violent and sustained” act of “pure cowardice” which is likely to haunt its victims forever.

Officers were called to reports of a disturbance at the address on June 10 this year and forensic evidence and a baseball bat was recovered. Hunter was identified and arrested.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable David Adams, said he welcomed the sentence given by the court.

He said: “This was a violent and sustained attack with a baseball bat by Kane Hunter, who showed no remorse for his actions when arrested and interviewed by the police.

“He gave no account in interview and no explanation for this hideous assault which caused one man serious injuries. He also injured an innocent lady who tried to protect that man as she came to his aid when he was defenceless.

“The attack was pure cowardice in its entirety but so violent that I am sure it will always stay with the victims in this case.”