A Northampton man who struck another man with an axe during an altercation at a logistics site has been jailed for more than four years.

Ionel Navalic, aged 45, of Villa Way in Northampton, appeared at Northampton Crown Court on August 25, where he was sentenced to four years and five months in prison after pleading guilty to wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, Northamptonshire Police has reported.

A spokesperson said: “The offence took place on January 15 this year in Sandy Way, Grange Park. During an altercation at a logistics site, Navalic struck a 46-year-old man with an axe, causing serious injuries to his hand.

“At about 5am, Northamptonshire Police received a 999 call from the victim, who reported that he had been attacked by a man known to him. Officers attended the scene and arranged medical treatment for his injuries.

“Navalic had left the area before police arrived, but subsequent enquiries established he was responsible for the assault, leading to his arrest and appearance before the courts,” the spokesperson added.

The 45-year-old first appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on January 16, 2026, where he was remanded into custody. He initially pleaded not guilty before changing his plea to guilty on July 1, police said.

Detective Sergeant Abigail Jones of Northamptonshire Police said: “This was a serious and violent attack which left the victim with significant injuries and could easily have had even more devastating consequences.

“Violence involving weapons has no place in our communities, and we will always thoroughly investigate offences of this nature to ensure those responsible are brought before the courts.

“I welcome this sentence and hope it provides the victim with a sense of justice as they continue to recover from what was a frightening ordeal.”