Two Thugs Jailed Over Brutal New Year’s Day Hammer Attack
Two Workington Men Locked Up
Jamie Elston, 32, and David Ratcliffe, 33, both from Workington, have been handed heavy prison sentences after pleading guilty to a horrific assault. Elston was sentenced to 21 years and seven months behind bars, while Ratcliffe received 21 years. Both men face an additional five-year licence period on release.
Nightmare New Year’s Home Invasion
The court heard that on New Year’s Day last year, victims were jolted awake to find Elston and Ratcliffe breaking into their home. Ratcliffe, wielding a hammer, launched a savage attack. Elston threatened, saying, “we might as well kill them now.”
Ratcliffe pummeled one victim’s head and face with punches and kicks. Elston joined in, brutally kicking and punching both victims.
Devastating Injuries and Intimidation
One victim was airlifted to Royal Victoria Hospital suffering a traumatic brain injury and was placed in an induced coma. The other sustained serious facial injuries, including a fractured nose and permanent loss of vision in one eye. Following the attack, the victims were warned not to involve the police.
Denials and Damning Evidence
Elston denied all involvement during his police interview. Ratcliffe initially refused to comment, later admitting to punching one victim but denied assaulting the more seriously injured one, claiming neither he nor Elston had a hammer.
Detective Chief Inspector Hayley Wilkinson said: “This was a violent and sustained attack which has resulted in extremely serious, life-changing injuries. One victim suffered permanent vision loss, the other remains in rehabilitation.
“The actions of Ratcliffe and Elston could easily have resulted in death that night. The court’s sentence reflects the brutal nature of this crime.”
