JAILED: Oldbury man accused friend of being in paedophile ring then attacked him with axe

Paranoid Clinton Richards launched the attack on his friend of 30 years, Gary Owens after claiming to have seen writing on walls saying 'kill Gaz', Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

Richards, of Hartlebury Road, Oldbury, lived in the same housing complex as Mr Owens and had started to display some 'particularly peculiar' behaviour.

Mr Richard McConaghy, prosecuting, said: "Seven to 10 days before this particular incident occurred, Richards reported to Mr Owens some of the writing he had seen on the wall said 'kill Gaz'."

Mr Owens laughed it off, said Mr McConaghy, but then received a text from Richards on March 5 saying 'things have kicked off'. He invited Richards over, but the 43-year-old's behaviour became 'particularly concerning'.

Mr McConaghy said: "He was sitting, rocking back and forth and began to mutter the word 'Judas' repeatedly. Richards also began to talk about a paedophile ring that he thought existed. He wasn't particularly coherent, but the suggestion was he believed Mr Owens was involved."

At one point, Richards pulled out a knife, swinging it at Mr Owens and causing minor cuts, as he said: "I'm going to make you bleed out slowly through the night."

Soon after, Richards kicked Mr Owens' in the face and then picked up an axe.

Saying 'I will get the truth out of you', Richards swung the axe twice - blade first in the direction of Mr Owens' head, which he avoided, then blunt-edge first, connecting with Mr Owens' lower back.

Richards' partner Emma began screaming and the pair left the room, then left the flat an hour later.

He returned about 4.30am to borrow a bike inner tube, and said: "You know how my head is Gaz, we'll talk about it tomorrow."

That morning, Mr Owens's parents took him to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he remained for a week after doctors found the axe blow had 'shattered' his spleen. He will be on antibiotics for the rest of his life.

When Richards was arrested he was not interviewed due to concerns about his mental health. He pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent under Section 18, but on the day of trial pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing grievous bodily harm under Section 20.

Mr Stephen Bailey, mitigating, said Richards is getting psychiatric treatment in prison and is back on anti-depressants.

The victim wanted the court to know he was not sure if he wanted Richards to be prosecuted, Mr Bailey said, but did want him to receive help for his mental health condition.

Richards has a history of Class A drug addiction and paranoia.

Mr Bailey said: "If he had been taking his anti-depressants it would not have happened, and he has to take responsibility for that. He knows how low he can get if he is not looking after himself."

Judge Amjad Nawaz said: "It was a sustained attack because it lasted some significant time, involving the use of two, if not three weapons if one includes the kick with a shod foot.

"All I can say is you were fortunate the Section 20 plea was accepted by the prosecution. Turning the axe head around clearly displays awareness and you knew exactly what you were doing."