Man hit housemate with hammer
6:44pm Tuesday 4th March 2008 in North West By Staff Reporter
A MAN who twice hit a housemate over the head with a hammer in a row about who should cook dinner has been jailed for 21 months.
Stephen Chadwick, aged 33, was living with his victim Paul Hopkins in Rosedale Avenue, Atherton, when the incident happened on December 7, 2006.
Liverpool Crown Court heard they had both been drinking cider when, at about 7pm, they began arguing about who should cook tea.
Prosecutor Damian Nolan said this led to verbal abuse and Mr Hopkins was called a big girl's blouse.
Mr Hopkins went into the kitchen and was at the stove when he felt two quick blows to the back of his head causing him to fall to his knees, feeling very dizzy, Mr Nolan said.
When he looked up, he saw the defendant standing by the doorway holding a hammer and he threatened to hit him again if he got up.
Chadwick left the flat and his victim went to the nearby home of his uncle and the police and ambulance were called. He was taken to hospital, needing stitches.
Chadwick, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to wounding on the basis he had used excessive force in self defence.
Brian McKenna, defending, said that Chadwick, who has previous convictions, had believed he was about to be struck so he hit Mr Hopkins. He claimed the victim had turned his head or body to avoid the blow which was why it struck the back of his head.
A judge told Stephen Chadwick: "The use of a hammer on a man's head is always colossally dangerous. It is only by good fortune that the injuries were limited."
He ruled Chadwick posed a risk and must remain on extended licence for two years.
