A man who attacked a woman who was trying to find her dog - after it was in a stolen car taken from a Hugglescote address - has been jailed for more than eight years.

On December 8 last year, a car belonging to the partner of Michael McDonagh's victim was stolen while parked in Central Road, Hugglescote.

Inside was their black and ginger lurcher called Duke.

After making their own appeal on social media, the victim and her partner were given information stating the car – a purple Nissan X-Trail – may be in the area of Copt Oak Road, Copt Oak.

They visited the area and saw the vehicle, but upon speaking to people present, were attacked.

The victim, who is in her 30s, suffered significant head and arm injuries as a result.

They both left the area before calling for help at a service station in Little Shaw Lane, Markfield.

Duke was found safe and well in the Loughborough area three days later.

Image: Leicestershire Police

Following further enquiries, McDonagh, 18, was identified as the person who attacked the woman - and on Thursday, December 9, he was arrested by police in Merseyside.

Today (Tuesday, June 7) he pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent at Leicester Crown Court.

McDonagh, of Copt Oak Road, Copt Oak, was sentenced to eight years and three months' imprisonment and is subject to a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim or her family.

Detective Constable James Clayton, from the force's Complex Investigation Team (CIT) was the officer in the case.

Image: Dreamstime.com

He said: "This was a completely unprovoked attack.

"The victim and her partner were doing whatever they could to get their dog back, but were confronted by McDonagh – a dangerous and violent individual.

"What happened that evening has had a significant impact on the victim and she is still re-living her ordeal.

"I can only hope today's outcome – and the fact McDonagh is now behind bars – will provide a degree of closure."