A MAN who 'viciously' attacked a woman outside a pharmacy using crutches has been jailed.

Witnesses to Cameron MacKay's attack on Pembroke Road, Bemerton Heath, were "frightened he was going to kill her".

The 36-year-old, of Rougemont Close, was found guilty of for attempted GBH, possession of an offensive weapon and harassment and sentenced to five years and six months in prison at Salisbury Crown Court on Wednesday, July 21.

On February 26 at 9.20am MacKay seriously assaulted his victim with crutches in a "sustained and vicious" attack.

This incident was witnessed by a number of people who intervened and barricaded themselves inside a pharmacy until police attended. 

Cameron MacKay.Cameron MacKay. (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Local crime investigator Dawson said: "The victim's injuries were some of the worst I have seen. MacKay waited for his victim, who was known to him, and carried out a sustained and vicious attack. Those who saw it happened said they were frightened he was going to kill her.

"MacKay was found by the jury to have pre-planned his violent and unprovoked attack by bringing a hammer to a place he knew she would be, in order to assault her with intention of causing her serious harm.

"I would like to thank the heroic actions of the staff who were there that day, who intervened without hesitation and who, ultimately saved the victim from further, more serious harm.

"I would also like to thank the victim for their continued bravery and support throughout the investigation and extend my thanks to the witnesses who attended court to give evidence. 

“This court result shows we do not tolerate violence of any kind in our communities and will always bring those suspected of such attacks to justice while seeking to protect the public we serve from harm.”

MacKay was also sentenced to one month each to run concurrently for four counts of assaulting an emergency worker between November 2023 and February 2024.