A 38-year-old Gloucester man was convicted of attempted murder at Bristol Crown Court yesterday, Monday March 22.

Shortly after 12.15pm on Friday June 12 2009 police were called to reports of a disturbance at an address in Newton Road, Cheltenham. Officers attended the address and found a 33-year-old woman with serious head injuries caused by an assault with a claw hammer.

The offender, her ex partner Andrew Elijah Squire, had left the scene of the crime but was arrested by Gloucestershire Constabulary on Tuesday June 16 2009 and charged with attempted murder. He was remanded in custody until the case was brought before the courts.

Detective Constable Phil Howes has been leading this investigation, he said; “This was a vicious and brutal attack, where Andrew Squire left his victim to die. He is a dangerous man with a serious temper.

“The impact of his actions should not be underestimated, thankfully the victim is making a good recovery and I hope this conviction is some comfort to her and her family, and allows them to start move on with their lives.

“This has been an incredibly difficult time for all involved and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bethan for her cooperation and assistance with this case. “Her bravery and resolve is a credit to her, she has not allowed this horrendous attack to permanently affect her or her family.

“I would also like to thank all the officers who have worked tirelessly to ensure this man was brought to justice.

“Any form of domestic violence is abhorrent and I hope that this conviction shows that Gloucestershire Constabulary will work tirelessly to ensure offenders are brought to justice and that victims are allowed to feel safe and secure again.”

In a statement released following his conviction Squire’s victim Bethan said; "This has been an incredibly traumatic and difficult time for myself, my family and my friends. Andrews' conviction is a huge weight off my mind, knowing he is locked away, and no longer able to hurt me or any other person again.

“Not only did I suffer serious physical injury which I am still recovering from, the emotional impact has also been incredibly hard to deal with.

“I really want to thanks all those people and organisations who have helped me. In particular Cheltenham police and ambulance crew, Cheltenham General Hospital, Frenchay hospital, the independent domestic violence advisor from Novas Scarman Group, County Community Project, The Listening Post, and many others; you know who you are. I would not have got through this without you.”

Squire is due to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on May 17.