Man sentenced to eight years for serious assault in Southampton

A man has been jailed on Friday 21 July after seriously injuring another man during a verbal altercation in Southampton, resulting in the victim being stabbed.

The court heard how that during the isolated incident on Sunday 23 April, Darryl Francis Ball, 46, of no fixed abode was seen by CCTV operators walking along London Road carrying a machete.

At around 5.40pm, Ball is seen to approach his victim – a man in his 40s – and a verbal altercation ensues. The victim is seen on CCTV to stand up during the confrontation before Ball began swinging the machete at him – striking him a number of times on the head.

As the victim attempted to flee, Ball is seen to follow him, but no further violence is committed towards the man.

Southampton Crown Court also heard how two plain clothed officers were alerted to the ongoing incident and had spotted the Ball in the vicinity of the area; detaining him and arresting him shortly after the incident took place.

He was later charged the following day – Monday 24 April - with section 18 – wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Appearing at the same court on Friday (21 July) for a sentencing hearing, Darryl Francis Ball was jailed for eight years for the offences he committed; while ordered to serve an additional five years on extended licence.

Detective Constable Edward Smith – who led the investigation – said: “This was an abhorrent, sustained attack during broad daylight; resulting in the victim receiving serious injuries including a fractured skull, a bleed on the brain and several lacerations to his head.

“This was a vicious attack that could have had far graver consequences for the victim; but thankfully that is not the case.

“We hope that today’s ruling provides justice for the victim and that he can now be safe in the knowledge that Darry Francis Ball is behind bars for a significant period of time and can no longer cause him, or the wider community, any harm.

“I am pleased that a positive result has been reached, following our thorough investigation, as part of our commitment to relentlessly pursue those who cause the most harm to our communities. I would like to commend the victim in this case for his continued bravery throughout."