Burnley Man Jailed for Violent Shovel Attack and Samurai Sword Possession

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday 18th March 2025, at 14:00hrs

Aaron Hanson, 21, of Roughlee Crescent, Burnley, has been sentenced to four years and five months in prison for a violent assault and weapons possession.

The sentencing follows an incident on August 2nd of last year, where Hanson attacked a man with a shovel in broad daylight on Lyndhurst Street, Burnley.

The incident occurred just after 10:15 am when Hanson attempted to strike his victim with a shovel.

After dropping the weapon, Hanson resorted to physical violence, placing the victim in a guillotine headlock and attempting to choke him while kneeling on him.

During the assault, the victim, fearing for his life, cried out, “Help, he is going to kill me.” Hanson then proceeded to kick and stamp on the victim’s head.

Following the attack, Hanson entered a local shop in an attempt to retrieve the dropped shovel, which had been secured by a staff member.

Upon learning that the police had been called, Hanson punched his victim in the face once more before fleeing the scene.

Police investigations led to Hanson’s arrest at his residence, where officers discovered a samurai sword hidden behind the door.

Hanson was subsequently charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, possession of an offensive weapon in public, and possession of an offensive weapon in private.

He pleaded guilty to all charges at Burnley Crown Court earlier this year.

Last Thursday, Hanson returned to the same court for sentencing.

“This was an appalling assault committed against a wholly innocent victim in broad daylight,” stated a police spokesperson.

“It was witnessed by several members of the public who were understandably shocked and concerned by what they had seen.”

The spokesperson further emphasized the severity of the attack, highlighting that “Hanson not only took a weapon to the scene and attempted to use it, but he also then attempted to cause real harm to his victim by firstly choking him to the extent that he feared for his life and then kicking and stamping on his head while he was on the floor.”

The sentencing reflects the seriousness of Hanson’s violent actions and sends a clear message about the consequences of such behavior.