A VIOLENT criminal battered a man in an alleyway after the victim fell out with an acquaintance of 20 years.

Tony Evans, 37, who lived in Northampton, went for a drink with Anthony Orson on Friday, June 6 2014.

As the two left the bar and walked through the alleyway off Charminster Road, Evans suddenly said: "This is from Jo."

He then knocked Mr Orson to the ground and repeatedly stamped on the back of his head, leaving him with serious injuries.

Jurors at Bournemouth Crown Court heard Evans was referring to Joanna Gaffikin, who had known the victim for around 20 years.

The two had fallen out in 2014.

After that time, Mr Orson had faced "ongoing hostility and threats" from Gaffikin, of Markham Road in Bournemouth.

The court heard that Gaffikin and a second man, Daniel Glass, 23, of Hadlow Down Close in Luton, had conspired with each other to arrange the assault.

Following a 20-day trial, Evans was convicted of grievous bodily harm and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Gaffikin and Glass were convicted of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.

Gaffikin was sentenced to eight years in prison and Glass was sentenced to three years behind bars.

Detective Constable Matt Manners, of Bournemouth CID, said: "This was a violent pre-planned attack that left the victim with serious injuries.

"Following a lengthy investigation I am satisfied with the sentences handed down by the courts.

"Dorset Police will not tolerate violent crimes such as this and we will continue to proactively pursue and bring offenders to justice."