Iron bar attacker jailed for eight years (From York Press)

Makevelli Claridge jailed for iron bar attack

10:50am Friday 1st June 2012 in News By Megi Rychlikova, megi.rychlikova@thepress.co.uk

A HOMELESS man from York who smashed another man’s jaw with an iron bar has been jailed for eight years.

Makevelli Anthony Claridge, 33, also known as Lee, attacked Steven Cunniff – who he mistakenly believed to be the boyfriend of his former partner – at a house in Acomb.

After he was jailed yesterday at York Crown Court, the investigating officer welcomed the sentence, describing the attack as “sustained and cowardly”.

The victim had gone to the property with his girlfriend, Kerry Healy, to visit Claridge’s ex-girlfriend, Sabrina Mariga.

Ms Healey said at an earlier hearing: “Lee Claridge bashed in the back door holding a metal pole.

“I remember Lee looked at Steven and said something like “It’s you, is it?” and hit Steven in the cheek with the metal pole.”

When giving evidence, Claridge, of the Arc Light Centre in Union Terrace, claimed he had no reason to be jealous that his former partner of 14 years had formed a new relationship, and alleged Miss Mariga had found their break-up difficult to come to terms with.

He claimed he was asleep on the sofa of his girlfriend’s 80-year-old grandmother at the time of the attack.

The jury, however, decided he was guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Following the sentencing, Det Con Kendra Bamber, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “The victim in this investigation received facial injuries sustained after a cowardly attack by Claridge, who armed himself with a metal bar and with little warning, violently assaulted the victim inflicting significant life-changing facial injuries.

“I would like to publicly thank the victim in this case who showed a great deal of courage both physically and mentally in giving his evidence.”