Former serviceman with PTSD had axe in street

Ross Wilkinson was involved in a row with the step father of his girlfriend, who was 20 weeks pregnant at the time, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

Trouble flared in Lilac Road, Dudley on June 10, said Mr Paul Spratt, prosecuting, who continued: "The argument took place, part in the roadway and part in the garden.

"He accepts he had the axe but maintains he got it from the home of the injured party.

The prosecution say he arrived at the scene with the weapon in a plastic bag and, before leaving the scene, said: 'I want my axe.'

The girl and the defendant had parted company.

He was not fully appraised of that and was very upset."

Richard Lavender, the man involved in the bust up with 23-year-old Wilkinson, was scratched during the struggle but not injured by the axe, added Mr Spratt.

The defendant was also hurt during the fracas, the court heard.

Miss Chiara Maddocks, defending, revealed: "He was a member of the armed services, has served overseas and has recently been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder."

Judge James Burbidge QC ruled: "If he is suffering from this it may be important to know if he went with the axe or it came into his possession a short time before the incident."

He also encouraged the defendant to give details of his military service to the court on his next appearance if he felt the information would be of significance.

Wilkinson will be assessed by a psychiatrist before a further hearing – currently scheduled for September 26 – is held to determine when he first had the axe.

The defendant from Spring Meadow Road, Netherton admitted being in possession of an offensive weapon in Lilac Road and assaulting Mr Lavender on June 10.

He further pleaded guilty to committing a burglary at an address in Halesowen on July 13 and was remanded in custody for completion of a psychiatric report.