A thug who smashed a piece of furniture around a Black Country father’s head in a row over a stolen child’s bike has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Victim Martin Hadlington suffered a fractured skull and long-lasting psychological problems.

Factory worker Dwayne Claridge, aged 22, from Brierley Hill, picked up a piece of a dismantled bed from outside a house and struck site manager Mr Hadlington. The victim was unable to get up or speak, but father-of-one Claridge struck him again.

Mr Hadlington, of Orchard Street, Brierley Hill, and his wife Shirley were taking their grandson to buy a bike because his had been stolen, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard yesterday.

They saw a group a children and one appeared to have the stolen bike, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard yesterday.

The Hadlingtons went to the house of the youngster, who was the defendant’s nephew, and an argument broke out. Claridge picked up the wood and struck Mr Hadlington.

Mr Hadlington has since needed speech therapy, and suffered from confusion, anxiety and mood swings.

Claridge, of Bankwell Street, pleaded guilty to wounding Mr Hadlington with intent. He claimed he had been attacked by Mr Hadlington and his son three years ago, a claim rejected by the victim.