An axeman who threatened to chop another man “to bits” has been given a chance by a judge.
Philip Clayton aged 40, had a lengthy list of previous convictions but Recorder Martine Snowdon said she could see “some improvement in the right direction” in his life.
Imposing a suspended prison sentence she told Clayton, who has spent four months on remand, that he had spoken of turning his life around.
“In some ways I’m taking a chance on you but it’s a chance I’m willing to take.”
She said she was impressed he is doing an Open University sports science degree and said he is at an important juncture in his life.
Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday, (Fri) how Liam Williams left his home in Heather Close, Birchwood, about 6.45 pm on May 15 to visit a nearby friend.
He saw Clayton, whom he had known for about four years, by the communal door of the flats where Mr Williams’ friend lived.
“He had a bottle of alcohol in one hand and an axe in the other,” said Andrew McInnes, prosecuting.
The wooden handled axe was one to two feet long and Clayton became aggressive and was “posturing and getting in his face. Mr Williams managed to get past and into the flats.
He heard Clayton shouting that he would be waiting for him to come about saying, “ I’m going to chop you to bits.”
When Mr Williams came out Clayton was still there but he did not see the axe. He walked home and heard Clayton behind him shouting, ‘You wait, I’m going to finish you.”
“Mr Williams quickened his pace and on entering his garden looked back and saw him still following and gesturing. As he entered the garden the defendant kicked the gate open damaging it.”
Mr McInnes said that he went up to Mr Williams and pushed him with both hands on his chest. He managed to get into his home and Clayton said, “This ain’t over.”
He left the garden but re-appeared five minutes later in front of the window and threw a stone at the window smashing it.
The defendant was later arrested and the axe recovered behind the victim’s home. In an impact statement Mr Williams, who runs his own business, said he had been left feeling anxious and the incident had affected his family.
Clayton, of Armstrong Close, Birchwood, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and two offences of criminal damage.
Rebecca Smith, defending, said that Clayton, who has 25 convictions for 44 offences, has “an unenviable record.”
She said that he has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism and emotional personality disorder. He has difficulty controlling his temper and alcohol changes him from being kind and loving.
Miss Smith said that the axe belonged to his late grandfather and the defendant wanted it back because it had sentimental value.
The judge sentenced the defendant, who appeared via video link, to 15 months imprisonment suspended for two years. She also ordered him to carry out 20 days rehabilitation activities and imposed a 120 day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement.
Recorder Snowdon ordered that the axe be confiscated.
