JAILED: Man hit friend with cricket bat in drink-fuelled row

The severe injuries which were inflicted by Clever Temba, at the flat in Great Bridge, Tipton, have had long-lasting effects on the victim and have turned his life upside down, a court heard.

The two friends had been out drinking together on April 19 last year before going to see a concert that night.

Temba, 34, got a taxi back to their home in Powell Place because his flatmate said he was going elsewhere and could not give him a lift.

But when the friend arrived home himself moments later Temba was incensed that he had seemingly got a cab unnecessarily, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

They rowed in the lounge until the flatmate went into a bedroom where the argument escalated after Temba picked up a cricket bat and followed him in. The defendant then swung the bat striking his friend in the head twice causing him to be hospitalised.

Temba pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and was sentenced on Thursday.

Mr Christopher O'Gorman, prosecuting, said the stricken man had been battling with anxiety and depression ever since. The victim has been unable to work and has consequently faced the prospect of eviction. Mr O'Gorman added he had also dropped out of university. "He has lost touch with a lot of people, the issue was very divisive with the friends they shared in common," he said.

"He thought Clever Temba was his friend and found it hard to believe he would use a cricket bat to inflict the injuries he did."

Mr Tim Sapwell, defending, called for a prison sentence to be suspended. He said the incident was out of character for Temba.

Mr Sapwell also claimed imprisonment would delay his application for indefinite leave from his native country but Judge Peter Barrie jailed him for ten months.