Hammer attack in row over boundary

THUG HAD DOWNED A BOTTLE OF WHISKY MOURNING DEATH OF HIS DOG

A dad was attacked with a hammer when a long-running boundary row with his neighbour erupted in violence and shocking homophobic abuse.

Paul Fowler had a history of falling out with the family next door about a fence between their two houses, which he started to dismantle after downing a bottle of whiskey while mourning the death of his dog.

Newcastle Crown Court heard when the couple, who are in their sixties, came out of their home to see what was happening, Fowler started throwing panels from the fence into their garden.

The 49-year-old, then hurled a “tirade of foul language” at the couple, before picking up a hammer.

The court heard it was when the husband stepped forward to protect his wife from any blow, he was hit in the head with the weapon and instantly had blood pouring down his face from a wound.

When the couple’s 23-year-old son came out of the house to check on his parents, he was met with a barrage of outrageous homophobic abuse from Fowler.

Fowleradmittedunlawful wounding, public order offences and common assault on an off-duty policeman who lived across the road and came over to help.

Mr Recorder William Lowe QC told him: “The way you behaved is, I hope, something you regret.

“You, clearly having been away from drink for a while, chose to buy a bottle of whiskey, upset at the loss of your dog.

“You then behaved in a disgraceful, criminal fashion towards your neighbours.”

The judge sentenced Fowler to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with supervision requirements.

Fowler is now the subject of a restraining order, which bansanyfurthercontactwith the victims.

The couple’s son said the abuse he suffered was “sickening”.

The court heard Fowler has been living in a bail hostels since the attack and the family have felt “lighter and happier” as a result.

Jamie Adams, defending, said: “He is now compelled not to go back to live there ever again, at what was his family home.

“It is extensive punishment for him.”