An attacker who was part of a gang who broke into a house and assaulted a 50-year-old man and his dog in Stevenage, has been sent to jail.

Saleh Mbarak, 23, of Chesterton Terrace, Newham, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm at what was due to be the beginning of his trial at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday, January 20.

During the attack, which took place on June 7, Mbarak was one of between five and seven men who broke into a house in Roundmead, Stevenage and assaulted the victim and his dog.

The gang made off empty handed when the dog retaliated.

Detective Constable Graeme Anness, the officer leading the investigation, said: “This is a great result for the victim and it also so sends a good message to criminals travelling into Hertfordshire to commit crime that, we will identify, arrest and prosecute them.”