Man suffers flashbacks after attack by ex-friend
A MAN lunged at his former friend, grabbed his throat and brandished a knife in the street.
Chalie Thomas left his friend of four years Michael Cook covered in cuts and grazes and suffering from flashbacks following the attack in Bridgend.
In a statement read out at Cardiff Crown Court, the victim said he now constantly feels like he is looking over his shoulder.
The court heard the incident happened at Ffordd-Yr-Eglwys in North Cornelly on August 6.
Gareth James, prosecuting, said Thomas and Mr Cook were friends at the time and had known each other for several years.
He told the court the defendant had an argument with his friend’s brother three weeks before the incident and their friendship became “strained”.
The court heard Mr Cook and his brother went to visit another friend and found Thomas was there.
Mr James said: “The defendant lunged at him and grabbed him around the throat.”
He added there was “a struggle” and Thomas produced a knife. The victim suffered “minor injuries” including cuts to his hands and body during the incident.
Prosecutors said Mr Cook and his brother went home, then returned and “challenged” the defendant, who walked into the street brandishing a knife.
When he was interviewed by the police, Thomas denied any responsibility for the incident and said he could not really remember what happened as he was drunk.
In his victim personal statement, Mr Cook said he had been affected by anxiety for the past six years, but his anxiety levels had increased significantly since the incident.
He said he has flashbacks and does not feel comfortable as he feels like he needs to look over his shoulder all the time.
Prosecutors said Thomas had been before the courts for 73 previous offences, including assault, battery and criminal damage.
Mr James told the court: “He has a number of convictions for offences of violence.”
Thomas, 30, from Meadow Street, North Cornelly, Bridgend, admitted common assault and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.
Adam Sharp, defending, said his client was put into care when he was two as his mother was alcohol dependent.
The court heard Thomas’ offending started when he was 13 and he was addicted to alcohol from the age of 16.
Mr Sharp said: “He is remorseful for his actions and the impact they had on Mr Cook.”
Judge David Wynn Morgan jailed Thomas for 12 months and made a threeyear restraining order.