Telford pick axe handle attacker is jailed

A man has been given an indeterminate jail sentence for assaulting his victim with a pick axe handle leaving him with serious injuries.

Jamie Cameron, 23, of South Drive, Madeley, Telford, was sentenced to a minimum term of 4.5 years in prison when he appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court today.

Cameron admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Sean Brown and possessing an offensive weapon in Woodside, Telford, on April 12.

Mr Phillip Beardwell, prosecuting, said the attack happened after Cameron thought Mr Brown had played a part in causing damage to his van.

He told the court that Mr Brown was struck on the head and body repeatedly with a pick axe handle for about 10 minutes.

The court heard Mr Brown was left with several facial injuries and fractures to his body, and was unconscious in hospital for five days.

He said: "The attack has left him scared to be on his own, no confidence to socialise, scared of the dark and with scars on his body

"He was unable to speak clearly for some time. The fact that he is still alive is the only positive he can take from this."

Mr Simon Hunka, for Cameron, told the court the attack happened at a time when he had been informed that his grandmother was seriously ill.

He said: "He was told she was extremely ill that night and didn't say anything and just seemed to bottle it up.

"He drunk a considerable amount of alcohol. He wasn't intending to do it. He did not behave like himself."

Sentencing Cameron, Judge Robin Onions said: "It is the ferocity and sustained nature of the attack that concerns me.

"He was out of control. That's what makes him dangerous in my view. The attack was carried out in full view of everyone and people were woken up by the screams of Mr Brown."

By James Pugh