A MAN who wreaked havoc at a party — assaulting a former friend and smashing windows with an axe — has been jailed.

Bolton Crown Court heard that 21-year-old Nicholas Hindle also launched a concrete block at a woman’s head during the melee on September 21 last year.

Prior to the attacks, Hindle, of Crosby Road, Heaton, stole a Peugeot 107 car and removed the registration plates from another vehicle.

The court was told how Hindle turned up at a garden party being hosted by Ryan Hesdon at his house in Rawson Street, Farnworth.

Prosecutor Virginia Hayton explained that the two had been friends before a fall out several months earlier.

Mr Hesdon told Hindle that he was not welcome at the party and would have to leave. This prompted Hindle to grab him by his shirt.

Ms Hayton said: “He then punched Mr Hesdon in the face causing a cut to his eye before throwing more punches. He then kicked him twice.”

After walking out of the back yard, Hindle returned to the scene carrying a concrete block.

He threw it and it hit one of the female guests, Danielle Shakeshaft, in the back of the head, which caused her pain but no serious injuries. He was then spotted wielding a three-foot axe.

The Peugeot car was found abandoned after crashing into a parked vehicle in Victory Street, Heaton.

Hindle initially denied the charges before later pleading guilty to counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, affray, aggravated vehicle taking, criminal damage and possessing a weapon. Hindle was sentenced to a total of 15 months, six of which he has already served on remand.

He also disqualified Hindle from possessing a driving licence for 18 months.