A VIOLENT attacker whose victim was put in hospital with a stroke has had his sentence doubled.

Bernie Ward, 32, was let into his victim’s house before he attacked the man with his fists and a knife. His victim sustained a stab wound to the arm and bleeding on the brain that led to him suffering a stroke. He was also bruised and cut in the attack.

A Sheffield Crown Court judge jailed Ward for three years and four months in April. The case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General, South Swindon MP Robert Buckland.

The Court of Appeal doubled Ward’s sentence, meaning he must now serve six years and eight months.

Mr Buckland said: “Ward targeted a victim he knew to be vulnerable and subjected him to a brutal attack in his own home. I hope that the Court of Appeal’s decision sends a clear message to anyone despicable enough to consider abusing a vulnerable member of their community – you will not escape justice.”

The case is the latest to be referred to the higher courts under the Unduly Lenient Sentencing scheme. Anybody is able to refer a sentence to the Solicitor General’s office for consideration.