An Isle of Wight man who launched an unprovoked and “savage attack” against an older man in his own home has been spared a jail sentence. 

Liam Saltzer, of Bellevue Road, Cowes, attended the Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday, July 16.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty on June 3, the first day of his trial, to causing grievous bodily harm and criminal damage.

Tim Devlin, prosecuting, said the offences were committed on the evening of March 22, 2023.

Mr Devlin told the court the victim, believed to be in his late 50s or early 60s, heard a knock at the door, and upon opening it, Saltzer walked in.

Saltzer asked to shake the victim’s hand before punching him twice in the face, causing the victim to fall to the floor, where Saltzer continued to punch him, court heard.

Mr Devlin said Saltzer took the victim’s dog, "threatening to kill" it if the victim would not shake his hand. The dog was later returned unharmed. 

The incident caused fractures to the victim’s lower molar tooth and orbital floor of his eye and displaced his nose.

In a statement read out to the court by Mr Devlin, the victim said his dog is his most precious possession and friend and that he is seriously considering moving off the Island after 17 years due to feeling scared and unsafe.

Mr Devlin said Saltzer was 'taking a lot of drugs at the time and that the attack was ‘completely unprovoked’ and committed while he was subject to a community order.

Jim Osborne, defending, said his client is a qualified gas fitter but gave up his job to care for his young daughter.

At the time of the offence, Saltzer was “heavily addicted to drugs and alcohol,” Mr Osborne told the court.

Mr Osborne said he understood that Saltzer was a regular at the man’s house, often going there to take drugs.

Judge Robert Douglas Hill described the incident as a “sustained, fairly savage attack,” sentencing Saltzer to 16 months custody, suspended for two years.

Saltzer was made subject to a six-month curfew, between 8pm to 7am, must complete 20 rehabilitation days and pay £170 compensation to his victim.