Sam Messenger left his victims with serious injuries after launching a brutal assault on the pair, who he claimed had "ripped him off" by not handing over drugs he had paid for.

Sam Messenger pictured in 2014 (Image: Newsquest)

The 38-year-old - who received a Royal Humane Society award for coming to the aid of a woman holding a blade to her neck in Wymondham public toilets in 2014 - was sentenced to 32 months in prison.

Norwich Crown Court heard he has 16 previous convictions for 34 offences.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

Chris Youell, prosecuting, said Messenger had targeted the men because he had not received drugs he had paid them for.

He followed them to an address in Lawson Road, Norwich, near the Mega Munch takeaway, and attacked them after they got out of a taxi.

The prosecutor said "serious injury" was caused to the two men by Messenger who also attacked the van of one of the victims with the hammer, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Sam Messenger (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Messenger, of Desmond Drive, Old Catton, Norwich, appeared at court on Wednesday (April 29) after he previously admitted wounding with intent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm on June 10 2023.

He also admitted possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage, also on the same date.

Judge Anthony Bate (Image: Newsquest)

Judge Anthony Bate said he had taken into account the defendant's pleas and his award for "a courageous act in 2014".

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But he insisted "cumulatively" the offences were so serious only immediate imprisonment could be justified.

Before Messenger was sentenced the court heard statements from the two victims.

The first, who had metal stitches and has been left with a "dip" in his head, "thought he was going to die".

"I saw I was bleeding everywhere and was concerned I was going to bleed to death," he said.

A statement from the second victim said he was in "complete shock" when being attacked.

Oliver Haswell, mitigating, said Messenger, who has had a "rather difficult childhood", and has struggled with drug addiction "throughout his life", having had a "long standing and entrenched" addiction. 

© Norwich Evening News