A “SADISTIC” attacker who threatened to kill a terrified man in his own home and eat his body parts has been locked up indefinitely.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard how George Hopkins had bound and gagged Stephen Tate, repeatedly assaulted him and tried to strangle him during the 40-minute torture ordeal in April last year.

Mr Tate was so traumatised he never returned to his Wootton Gardens flat in Bournemouth. Haunted by terrible memories, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome and now suffers from panic attacks and nightmares.

Hopkins, 29, of no fixed abode, denied false imprisonment and robbery but was convicted of both offences.

Jurors heard how Mr Tate and Hopkins had been “acquaintances”. When he heard a knock on his flat, window Mr Tate invited Hopkins in.

After receiving a blow to the side of his head, Mr Tate fell. As he tried to get up Hopkins punched him again before threatening to stab him and using computer cable to bind his legs to his arms.

Hopkins picked Mr Tate up three times and dropped him on the floor, telling him: “You won’t be walking ever again.”

After putting a dog lead around his victim’s neck, Hopkins applied pressure until Mr Tate lost consciousness.

In a desperate bid to end his suffering, bleeding Mr Tate gave his captor his bank PIN number.

After putting a towel in his victim’s mouth, Hopkins went to withdraw £250 from a cash machine.

As Mr Tate tried to break free Hopkins returned and the torture resumed. Hopkins tried to throttle Mr Tate and gagged him again, before leaving the flat. Mr Tate’s screams for help alerted a passer-by.

He suffered cuts to his cheek, throat and neck, with ankle and wrist injuries where he had been bound.

Defending, Robert Grey said Hopkins had a personality disorder, adding: “The degree of physical violence threatened was high; use of violence was not as high.

“Thankfully none of the threats were carried out.”

At the time of the offences Hopkins had been “using large quantities of drink and drugs”.

Imposing an indeterminate public protection order, Judge John Harrow told Hopkins: “I’m satisfied you are a very dangerous man. You behaved in a most sadistic, uncaring manner.”

Hopkins showed no emotion as he was led away.