A SOUTHAMPTON dad was punched so hard by a man raiding his home that he suffered a collapsed lung, a court was told.
Sam Shaw and Blaine Latta left their victim needing hospital treatment after the “serious” attack involving a knife at Copenhagen Tower in International Way.
Southampton Crown Court heard the pair had walked into the property through an open door to ask the owner if he had any cannabis.
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But after being told no, Shaw, 34, went to the kitchen and stole £70.
The homeowner then followed the pair out but the incident turned violent as Shaw pulled out a knife.
Prosecuting, Michael Mason said the victim blocked the knife with his arm, suffering cuts in the process. He was also pushed and punched.
Latta, 34, punched him so hard - described as a “heavy blow” in court - that the victim suffered a collapsed lung.
The victim was taken to hospital with bruising to his left eyelid, cuts to his arm and scrapes to his knee on December 11, 2022.
In a victim impact statement read out in court, he said he also suffered broken ribs and was left unable to spend Christmas with his family.
“I was unable to physically move. I feel when I look in the mirror I look different.”
The man was unable to work because of his health and said he planned to spend the stolen £70 on Christmas presents for his children.
Shaw, of International Way, pleaded guilty to theft, unlawful wounding and possession of a bladed article.
Latta, of Canon Place, admitted a single charge of causing grievous bodily harm.
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Mitigating for Shaw, Richard Wayman said: “This has all arisen out of [Shaw’s] drug use at that time.”
He added that the incident was “not pre-meditated” and the decision to steal £70 was “impulsive and clearly stupid”.
Mitigating for Latta, Charles Gabb said his client has been in custody since January 5 and is “genuinely sorry for that what has happened”.
On Wednesday last week, Latta and Shaw were jailed for 20 and 21 months respectively.
Judge Brian Forster KC described the offences as “serious” adding that “it is not possible” to suspend any sentence.
He told the defendants: “I hope you learn something from this situation.”
Two five-year restraining orders were also imposed for the victim and a witness.
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