Violent Totton home invader and watch thief Marcus Hearn jailed for six-and-a-half years

A BURGLAR who brutally attacked a Totton man after forcing his way into his home has been jailed for more than six years.

Marcus Hearn (40) carried out the vicious attack before stealing several watches at a property on Rumbridge Street on 10th December 2023, Southampton Crown Court heard.

Having aggressively and repeatedly banged on the front door, Hearn physically forced his way inside when the 50-year-old male victim opened it.

He assaulted the man, leaving him with injuries amounting to grievous bodily harm. These included a fractured eye socket which needed surgery.

During the attack, Hearn stole a number of high-value watches before fleeing the scene.

The court was told police responding to the incident identified and arrested the defendant at his home address on Mortimer Close in Totton within three hours.

He was found in possession of a bag containing the victim’s watches, which have since been recovered and returned.

As officers attempted to arrest him at the address, one was assaulted and suffered minor injuries.

Hearn was convicted of charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, dwelling burglary with violence and assaulting an emergency worker. He was put behind bars for six-and-a-half years.

Welcoming the prison sentence, police staff investigator Sarah Stewart, who led the investigation, said: “Hearn showed no regard for his victims during this brutal incident in which a homeowner was attacked and an officer injured while carrying out their duties.

“The manner and severity of Hearn’s action – taking into account the injuries suffered by the victim – demonstrate how hell-bent Hearn was on inflicting harm through the course of his actions on that evening.

“I hope that this demonstrates to the local community – and wider public – that we will not tolerate instances of such behaviour on the streets of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

She added: “We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who are committing harm in our communities and bring them to justice for their actions.”