Man jailed over 'brutal attack' on woman in Derry

A man has been jailed for 11 years for a brutal attack on a woman in Derry.

Aaron Hyland, 27, of Katherine's Road, Ballymurphy, had pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The injured party experienced 'life-threatening injuries' after being attacked with a claw hammer in her own home in October 2014.

Hyland was sentenced today at Derry Crown Court.

Judge Phillip Babington said it was a case of the 'most serious nature' where the defendant caused 'life changing injuries' to his victim.

Judge Babington said that it was felt she will have difficulty conceiving children.

The defendant showed 'absolutely no mercy in the use of his weapon'.

Judge Babington said that the violence used was quite sickening and it was difficult to understand how the defendant behaved as he did.

He maintained his denial of what he had done for a lengthy period of time and any credit given to him must therefore be limited.

The judge said: "I regard this case as one of serious harm and high culpability. In all the circumstances I feel that the appropriate sentence is one of eleven years."