Benjamin Moyo, 27, from Whitchurch, jailed for five years at Reading Crown Court after being found guilty of attacking a man with a machete in Aldermaston on May 31, 2023

A man has been jailed for five years after he was found guilty of attacking someone with a machete over a business dispute.

Benjamin Moyo, aged 27, of Cherry Orchard, Whitchurch, was sentenced to five years in prison at Reading Crown Court on Thursday, January 25.

A jury unanimously found him guilty of one count each of Section 18 wounding with intent and having an article with a blade or point at the same court on December 7 last year, following a three-day trial.

At around 8.25pm on May 31, 2023, Moyo attacked a man in his thirties with a machete in a yard off The Street in Aldermaston over a business dispute.

The victim suffered injuries to his hands and head, which required hospital treatment.

Moyo was charged on June 3 last year.

Investigating officer DC Simon Reay, of Newbury CID, said: “The victim in this case suffered serious wounds as a result of being hit with a machete multiple times, which required treatment at hospital.

“As well as the physical scars, the victim has also has suffered ongoing trauma as a result of this attack and lost his business as it was linked to Benjamin Moyo’s firm; his life will not be same again.

“Moyo offered to plead guilty to a lesser charge but the victim supported us and the Crown Prosecution Service not accepting that and seeking a trial for the more serious Section 18 charge to prevent further harm to others.

“This decision was vindicated when the jury unanimously found Moyo guilty and he has now been given a substantial prison sentence.

“Thames Valley Police will never tolerate such serious violence and will always seek to bring offenders to justice.”