Brierley Hill man attacked with broom handle by neighbour

William O'Halloran and his wife had called the police hours earlier complaining that the front door of their home had been repeatedly kicked by a group of youths.

He had also been involved in a fracas with another neighbour 10 minutes before victim David Washington emerged from a house on the opposite side of Waldron Avenue in Brierley Hill.

Mr Washington, who had not been involved in the trouble, was struck around the head by 31-year-old O'Halloran, who was carrying the weapon, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Paul Spratt told the court Mr Washington received a cut to the forehead that needed six staples and a cut forearm.

Mr Spratt said: "The defendant was becoming increasingly angered by the behaviour of some of his neighbours. This had left simmering discontent in the minds of all the parties.

"It is difficult to see who was the instigator of the abuse and disorder. The best word to describe the situation in the street is lawless but the man who was ultimately attacked had been minding his own business and was simply leaving a property in the road."

Mr Washington later told the police: "I heard some shouting coming from behind me and saw a man carrying something which he struck me with. I had injuries to my arm and head and was bleeding profusely."

John Smythman, defending, said: "The incident only lasted for a minute and was a single blow that has caused no permanent disability. The police had been to the scene following the earlier call from the defendant and his wife and had warned people to behave before going away again."

O'Halloran, who had a previous conviction for wounding the former boyfriend of his daughter, was arrested and bailed following the the attack in Waldron Avenue on December 30 2011.

He then went to Ireland until August.

O'Halloran admitted wounding with intent and was sent to prison by Judge Michael Challinor, who told him: "You could have permanently damaged this man or even killed him."