Man jailed for vicious hammer attack which left victim with fractured skull
“They are extremely fortunate not to have lost their life that day”
A Sunderland man who fractured his victim’s skull in a terrifying assault with a hammer has been jailed.
Terry Dixon has today (May 8) been sentenced to 14 years and 4 months behind bars after carrying out the attack in Hetton-le-Hole in May of last year (2025).
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At around 5am on May 17, officers received a report of an ongoing disturbance at an address on Station Road.
“It was reported that Dixon had launched an unprovoked attack inside the address. On attendance, they found Dixon’s victim – a man aged in his 40s – had sustained serious injuries to his head, caused by a hammer.
“He was taken to hospital for treatment of a number of injuries, including multiple fractures to his skull. Thankfully, he has since made a full physical recovery from his injuries.”
While Dixon had already fled the scene prior to police arrival, he was located by officers a short time later on Newbottle Street after attempting to withdraw money from a cashpoint using a bank card stolen during the assault.
The 48-year-old, from Sunderland, was detained and found in possession of the hammer – admitting the attack to officers once arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH).
It later came to light that Dixon had sent threatening messages to his victim days prior to launching the vicious attack.
Dixon was later charged with the more serious offence of attempted murder.
Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, March 20, he was acquitted of attempted murder but pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
Dixon appeared before the same court today (May 8), where he was handed a 14-year and four-month prison sentence.
Detective Inspector John Hopkins, who led the investigation, said: “This was an unprovoked, vicious attack on a victim who was merely asleep before being woken up to Dixon towering over him.
“Miraculously in this instance the victim has been able to make a full recovery – they are extremely fortunate not to have lost their life that day.
“While Dixon was acquitted of the more serious offence of attempted murder, I’m pleased that today he was still handed a lengthy prison sentence after admitting causing GBH.
“I hope that the victim is able to take some comfort in knowing this dangerous offender will be spending a substantial amount of time behind bars.”