Brute fractured woman's arm in terrifying home invasion attack then fled more than 100 miles away to Scotland

Connor Searle's victim was indoors with her partner when he turned up with two masked strangers and repeatedly hit her with a plank of wood then smashed a window at the property. Newcastle Crown Court heard Searle caused an open fracture and dislocation in her arm, which needed surgery.

She also suffered multiple bruises and abrasions in the attack, for which no motive was given in court, and has been left terrified. After the violence in Newcastle in February, Searle travelled to Edinburgh, where he was arrested a month later.

Prosecutor Neil Pallister said the victim and her partner had known Searle but when he turned up at their front door with two strangers they decided not to answer. Mr Pallister said: "They went to the rear of the house and the defendant came in through the back door.

"She said the defendant stood over her with a big plank of wood, which came from inside the address and had been used to prop against the back door to keep it closed. She described the other two were wearing face coverings but she recognised him by his eyes.

"She described the defendant repeatedly hit her with the plank of wood, causing an arm fracture and bruising."

Mr Pallister said Searle was arrested in Edinburgh. In an impact statement the victim said she was left afraid to go out or be at home alone and has lost trust in people. She added: "This has changed me as a person, I used to be really outgoing, now I don't speak to anyone anymore."

The woman added that she faces more treatment for her arm injury. Searle, 33, of Chevington, Gateshead, who already has a criminal record, admitted causing grievous bodily harm and has been jailed for three years.

Kate Barnes, defending, said Searle has suffered tragedy in his life and has been working hard while in prison on remand.