A BASILDON man has been convicted of serious assault following a six-day trial as the victim remains in a critical condition six months on.

Codey Nolan has been found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent after a trial at Basildon Crown Court during which time he denied his involvement.

The investigation was launched after emergency services were called to Riverview Centre, Vange, shortly after 6pm on Saturday, May 4.

A seriously injured man was found in the communal hallway.

Officers followed a blood trail from the victim that led into one of the flats.

Forcing entry to the address, they found signs of a disturbance and blood on the floor, indicating the victim had been dragged out of the property into the communal hallway.

The victim, a man in his 40s, had sustained a serious head injury as a result of the attack and was taken to hospital in a critical condition where he remains.

Det Chief Insp Louise Metcalfe, who led the investigation, said: "It is due to the diligence and perseverance of my officers that Codey Nolan was charged with this ferocious, unprovoked attack, causing very serious injuries from which the victim has not yet recovered.

"I would like to thank them for their hard work and professionalism that led to this sentence.”

As a result of the investigation after the discovery of the victim, Codey Nolan was quickly identified as a suspect.

Nolan had since fled and was soon traced to Brighton, where he was arrested five days later.

The 33-year-old, of Riverview Court, was later charged with GBH with intent and remanded into custody. He appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on Monday, May 13.

Despite denying his involvement, Codey Nolan has now been convicted after a jury found him guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Upon conviction, the victim’s family added: "He is, and always will be, a much-loved son, brother and uncle.

"He has always been the most genuine and reliable friend with selfless commitment to people and humanity.

"Our hearts are broken by the devastating and unnecessary attack that he has suffered. This verdict goes a small way to heal the wounds."

Codey Nolan will be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, December 5.

Nolan was also charged with offering to supply Class A drugs in connection with an incident in September 2023, which he pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.