A man who went on the run for six years after leaving an acquaintance in a critical condition by slashing him with a cut-throat razor in an attack at Sutton Benger, near Chippenham, has finally been caught and sent to prison.

Dominic Lee, who was previously known as James Ward, aged 50, of Arthur Street, Crook, Durham, stood trial at Winchester Crown Court this week.

He had been standing trial for attempted murder but was found not guilty. He was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Police were called to the village in the early hours of June 22 2016 following a serious assault on a man in his 40s, who had been left in a critical condition.

A police spokesman said: “The victim had been attacked with a cut-throat razor and a knife, causing significant injuries to his throat, face, head and arms.

“Lee was quickly identified as a key suspect in the case, but despite extensive attempts to locate him, he managed to leave the country and spent five-and-a-half years on the run in Europe.

"He was eventually arrested in November 2021 when he returned to the UK to seek medical treatment.”

Following his conviction this week, Lee was sentenced to 15 years in jail.

Detective Sergeant Sam Hopkinson, from Central CID, said: “This was a brutal and horrific attack on a defenceless man, which left him with significant and long-lasting injuries.

“His victim impact statement, which was read out in court during the trial, outlined how this incident has left him with both physical and mental scars, which he may never recover from.

“Lee believed that he could run away from justice, spending five-and-a-half years evading the police and the courts, so it is incredibly satisfying to see him finally convicted and sentenced for this crime.”