A THUG who smashed a father with a baseball bat twice in an attack has been jailed for four years.

Elias Taylor, 19, of Kelvedon Road, Tiptree, was sentenced for GBH with intent again the victim at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday.

Taylor was found guilty by a jury following a three-day trial at Ipswich Crown Court.

The teenager was part of a gang of three who arrived at the home of the victim in Chestnut Way, Tiptree, armed with a baseball bat.

The bat belonged to the 49-year-old victim, who had realised it had gone missing from his home a few weeks before.

One member of the gang claimed he had left car parts in the victim’s garden and the victim allowed them to take a look fearing retaliation if he did not.

The suspects looked in his shed and left, only to return shortly afterwards and knock on the door of the victim’s home.

When he answered, Taylor punched him in the face before hitting him with the bat on the neck and forehead.

The victim still managed to challenge the suspects, who ran from the scene after the incident in September 2015.

Taylor was identified and arrested two months later.

He was charged but denied the offences before being found guilty at trial.

Investigating officer Pc Vicki Fairchild said she was pleased to see Taylor locked up for the attack.

She said: “This was a particularly nasty attack with the victim being struck twice with a weapon.

"He suffered a deep cut to his forehead that required hospital treatment and stitches.

“Taylor has shown no remorse for his actions and his not guilty plea meant his victim had to wait longer for justice.

"I’m pleased with the court’s verdict and Taylor will now have plenty of time to think about his actions in his prison cell.”

Pc Fairchild said police were still looking for another member of the gang.

She said: “One suspect remains unidentified and anyone with information can contact Colchester CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”