A 22-year-old man from Alton has been jailed for 10 years after stabbing a pensioner during a botched robbery attempt.
Pawel Zimnicki, of Russett Road, threatened a 67-year-old man with a knife and demanded money as the victim walked towards Greenfield Avenue in Alton on December 28.
When the man refused, a struggle then took place, with Zimnicki, who was wearing a balaclava during the attack, stabbing him in the stomach before fleeing the scene with nothing.
The victim was initially taken to Frimley Park Hospital, before being transferred to St George’s Hospital in Tooting for surgery, and is now recovering at home.
Zimnicki entered three guilty pleas on February 11, before then being sentenced to 10 years in jail for causing grievous bodily harm with intent at Winchester Crown Court on Friday.
He was also sentenced to eight years for attempted robbery and 15 months for possession of a knife in a pubic place, all of which will run concurrently.
Speaking after the ruling, Detective Inspector Justin Torgout, said: “This was an unprovoked incident which left the victim with a very serious injury.
“The length of the sentence imposed by the court reflects just how serious it was.
“I am extremely glad that we have been able to secure a positive result for the victim of this attack, as incidents like this are very rare in Alton.”