A THUG on early parole from a life sentence plunged a screwdriver into the forehead of a man in a planned and vicious attack, a court heard.

Dean Bradbury, left his victim with horrific injuries after he set about him on the forecourt of the Esso petrol Station on Fleming Way in Swindon.

The 36-year-old was jailed for three years and eight months by a judge at Swindon Crown Court, but will only be released when the parole board think it is safe after he was effectively sentenced to life for the public’s protection in 2006 for stabbing an old lady during a bag snatch.

Giles Nelson, prosecuting, said the latest attack took place at 10.30am on October 9, last year.

It was not clear exactly what was behind the attack but it was believed Bradbury was upset because victim had declined to sell drugs for him.

Earlier in the morning he said Victim Jake Gilbertson was approached by Bradbury’s accomplice Nico Bayes, 21, who accompanied him to the garage close to the Magic Roundabout.

As they arrived, Bayes could be seen on CCTV contacting Bradbury by phone, Mr Nelson said. Moments later Bradbury arrived on the forecourt and lunged at the 22-year-old, stabbing him in the back with a weapon which had been up his sleeve.

Mr Gilbertson tried to run away, he said, but fell to the ground and was stabbed in the forehead with the tool.

A fireman from the station across the road was the first on the scene providing first aid before the victim was rushed to hospital. Mr Gilbertson also suffered a punctured lung.

Bradbury, of Swindon Road, and Bayes, of Bow Court, each pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding and Bradbury admitted having an article with a blade or point. Both were on licence at the time of the offence.

Chris Smyth, for Bradbury, said his client had served seven-and-a-half years for the earlier attack.

He had now been returned to prison and would have to seek parole again, meaning he was unlikely to get out at the half way point like normal inmates.

Richard Williams, for Bayes, who was jailed for two years and 10 months, said the injuries the victim suffered were horrific.

But while his client led him there to be assaulted he hadn’t realised a weapon would be used.

He said he had a number of issues including a low IQ, ADHD, learning difficulties and had a difficult childhood.

“This was a joint enterprise attack with serious consequences. Mr Gilbertson was found collapsed on the ground with a serious wound,” Judge Jason Taylor QC said.

“This was a premeditated brazen sustained vicious and highly dangerous attack which had real consequences.”