Man jailed for 23 years for the attempted murder of young child

A man has been jailed for 23 years for the attempted murder of a young child following an "emotional" investigation by detectives.

Zach Hughes, 27, attacked the victim - whose name and age are being protected by the courts - on 12 July last year.

He met up with the child and a woman before they travelled together to Brentwood, Essex.

As the car was being parked, Hughes reached inside the rear of the vehicle and attacked both of them.

They were treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital.

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Hughes, of Romford, was arrested the following day and charged with attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

On 9 March, a judge at Basildon Crown Court accepted Hughes’ guilty pleas to all three charges.

At the same court on Friday, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison.

DI Brian Palombella, of Essex Police, said: “This has been an extremely sensitive and distressing case not only for the lead investigating officer - DC Emily Hulme - and my teams, but also those who attended the incident.

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“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the first responders and members of the public whose actions were vital in what were clearly very traumatizing circumstances, and the sentencing today clearly reflects that impact.”

Essex Police added in a statement: “Following an emotional investigation by our detectives, a man who admitted the attempted murder of a child in Brentwood has been jailed for 23 years.”

The Force said it will release no further details in relation to this case.