A man who attacked three strangers in their own homes while armed with a knife and meat cleavers has been sentenced to prison.
Paul Salisbury, aged 39, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Monday 17 March to be sentenced for a string of offences.
He had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to one count of robbery, two counts of attempted robbery, three counts of possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a bladed article, two counts of assault by beating and one count of criminal damage.
Salisbury was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison before being eligible to be released on bail.
The court heard that Salisbury had visited the first address on Garnells Road in the early hours of 27 June 2024.
Although he did not know the two male occupants, he knocked on the door and was let in by one of the men inside, who, thinking it was a friend, walked into the kitchen without paying attention.
He was followed by Salisbury, who was armed with a kitchen knife and two meat cleavers, who then threatened to seriously injure the man unless he gave him money.
The man was ordered to lay on the floor where Salisbury then stamped on his head multiple times, causing bleeding and bruising.
While this happened, the second was sat in an armchair in the living room, unable to move due to an old injury to his legs.
Salisbury entered the room and held the weapons to the second man’s head, before calling the first man into the room and once again demanding money. They handed over £30 in cash, which Salisbury took before leaving.
Salisbury then knocked on the door of a neighbour, who again he did not know.
When the door was opened by a man inside, Salisbury brandished the kitchen knife. This man was able to push Salisbury away and close his door, causing the offender to threaten to kill him before smashing a window with a metal pole.
Residents reported to police that a shirtless man could then be seen walking around the area, armed with the knife and cleavers. Officers attended the area and were able to arrest him.
In mitigation, the court heard that Salisbury suffered from a personality disorder that effects his emotional regulation.
Since being arrested and remanded in custody, he has been taking antidepressants and attending mental health workshops.
