A dangerous criminal has been jailed for stamping on the head of a homeless individual in Oxford’s central area.

Thomas Parnell, who lives on Luther Street in Oxford, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday, April 2.

The 23-year-old was originally set to face trial earlier in the year.

Instead, on the opening day of the case, he confessed to unlawfully injuring Andrew Green in Drayton on January 4 the previous year and to committing grievous bodily harm with intent against Aaron Hicks in Oxford on March 9 the previous year.

Prosecutor Nadia Chbat told the court that Parnell knew Mr. Green.

The complainant had given Parnell a place to stay in his Drayton flat because he was homeless at the time.

A disagreement arose between them regarding food and cigarettes.

The situation turned physical. He repeatedly struck Mr. Green’s face with kicks and punches while the victim begged him to halt.

Mr. Green managed to flee the property and reach a nearby pub where he reported what had occurred. He was then taken to John Radcliffe Hospital.

Mr. Green suffered a broken nose, fractured cheekbone, and bruising around his eye socket.

In his victim impact statement, Mr. Green said he had wanted to help Parnell by letting him stay in his flat.

He said he could not understand why the defendant had acted in this way and felt his kindness had been taken advantage of.

Mr. Green said he now feels afraid to stay in his flat and is worried about leaving. He stated that his flat was meant to be a safe place.

The court then heard about the incident involving Mr. Hicks on Cornmarket Street on March 9 the previous year.

This was described as a violent assault on a vulnerable person.

CCTV footage showed Parnell chasing Mr. Hicks into an alleyway, knocking him to the ground and repeatedly stamping on him.

Mr. Hicks was later found with a broken nose, fractured teeth, and head injuries.

Defence lawyer Gordana Austin described him as a young man whose entire life appears to have been affected by enduring mental health issues. She noted that his social connections are minimal, that he has experienced periods without housing, and that he has never received appropriate assistance or direction.

She explained that this was a horrifying assault and that he recognises he will serve time in prison. She added that he is committed to addressing his problems so that upon release, he can lead a more purposeful existence.

Judge Ian Pringle KC described the assault on Mr. Hicks as vicious and sustained.

Parnell was handed a prison sentence of four and a half years with an additional three-year extension.

He was also given a seven-year restraining order preventing contact with both victims and is barred from entering Oxford.