Man, 45, jailed for eight years for Section 18 GBH in Bishopstoke

A 45-year-old man from Bishopstoke has been jailed for eight years after being found guilty of causing Section 18 grievous bodily harm.

Warren Stephen Gawthorpe, 45, of Fox Close, was convicted of the offence on Thursday 12 February, following a six-day trial at Winchester Crown Court.

He was sentenced when he appeared at the same court on Wednesday (3 June), via video link from prison.

Sentencing ultimately had to proceed in Gawthorpe’s absence, following several outbursts. He also then walked out of the room in which the camera was situated.

As well as the time he must serve behind bars, Gawthorpe will also be subject to an additional licence period of four years upon his release.

He was also handed an indefinite restraining order, preventing him from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim or witness.

Gawthorpe has been imprisoned following an incident at his home address on Saturday 12 April 2025.

At approximately 12.30pm on the date in question, the victim – a man in his 30s – was inside Gawthorpe’s address when he was pushed down the stairs and subsequently punched and kicked.

As a result of the incident, the victim sustained a broken eye socket, something which continues impact upon him on a daily basis.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Merriman, of the Criminal Investigation Department at the time of the investigation, said: “This was an extremely serious incident, in which the victim suffered serious, life-changing injuries.

“I am relieved for him, as he continues to recover from those injuries, that justice has now been served.

“Gawthorpe is now behind bars and can no longer harm anyone else.

“I must also place on my record my thanks to the victim for his support and bravery throughout our investigation, as well as his determination to see justice handed down.

“Huge thanks also go to the witness to the incident, who called police to report it and helped us achieved the outcome we have.”