Attacker on the run given jail; COURT: Hunt for town's 'most dangerous'.

Byline: By Michael Posner 

POLICE were today hunting a man described as one of the most dangerous in Stafford, after he was jailed for seven years in his absence.

Giles Harvey, who jumped bail and failed to attend his trial, was described by police as "capable of extreme violence without provocation".

Harvey, 36, of Chestnut Drive, Yarnfield, near Stafford, was convicted in his absence of wounding with intent to cause grievious bodily harm following a savage attack on a drinking friend with a bar stool.

After he was sentenced by Recorder John Edwards, Det Con John Owen said: "He is one of the most dangerous men in Stafford and is probably the most unpredictable man I have come across.

"We hope to get his disappearance on Crimewatch and will try to sort it out as soon as possible. He is a dangerous offender and a risk to the public. It is imperative that we get him as soon as possible."

Police have issued an all ports and airports alert for Harvey, as well as checking his known haunts in Stafford and 11 previous addresses, associates' addresses and bail addresses.

Naomi Gilchrist, prosecuting, said Harvey was drinking with his friend, Lydon Pedley, in the Four Crosses pub in Sandon Road, Stafford, when the violence began.

Mr Pedley received wounds to his head which required 16 stitches.

In August 2004 Harvey was jailed for four-and-a-half years after he repeatedly attacked a man's leg with a paving slab.

In 1998 he was jailed for two years for wounding and in an earlier attack slashed a man across the face and neck with a Stanley knife.