A violent attacker who bundled a man in a car boot between woodland assaults in a shocking Christmas Day crime spree has been jailed.

Max Alexander, 35, was sentenced to nine years and six months’ at Reading Crown Court for multiple crimes in Reading, including false imprisonment.

Alexander, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the theft of a car and was found guilty by a majority verdict jury of grievous bodily harm with intent, false imprisonment, robbery and theft of cash.

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The sentencing came after a lengthy investigation into a horror two-hour attack on December 25 last year.

The victim, a 45-year-old man, was punched in the face several times by Alexander in Oxford Road, he was taken by car to a wooded location and was again assaulted.

He was then put in the boot of a car and driven to another wooded location where he was assaulted again.

The victims’ phone, wallet, jacket and shoes were taken and his bank card was used while the victim remained in the boot of the vehicle.

He managed to get away from the car and get help.

During the incident the victim sustained a fractured jaw which required an operation.

He also sustained a bleed on the brain.

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Investigating officer, detective constable Hugh Bailey of Reading Force CID, said: “This was a violent offence and Alexander has been handed a significant prison sentence.

“The victim sustained serious injuries which still have a significant impact on him.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the victim in this case for his support.

“He has shown courage throughout the investigation and trial.”

Reading Chronicle:

Accomplice Natasha Barnes (pictured above), aged 29 of no fixed abode, was found guilty of the theft of a car by unanimous jury.

She pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods and possession of a stun gun and was acquitted of false imprisonment, robbery and theft of cash.

She has been sentenced to one year and six months’ imprisonment.

Victoria Frain, aged 30 from School Lane, Herne Bay, Kent, and Layla Thompson, aged 37 of Kinson Road, Tilehurst, Reading, were acquitted by unanimous jury of false imprisonment, robbery and theft at the same hearing.