[A] Dalton man has been jailed today (6 Nov, 2017) for seven years after attacking his neighbour with an axe.
Timothy Nickson, 42, of Broughton Road, Dalton-in-Furness, admitted a charge of wounding with intent after appearing at Preston Crown Court.
The court heard how, at around 8pm on 22 June 2017, Nickson took an axe with him to his neighbour’s home in Broughton Road and used it to launch a sustained attack on the victim – a man in his mid-40s.
Nickson then left the address and police received a reported of a man walking the streets covered in blood and carrying an axe.
Nickson was spotted by a Cumbria Police officer entering the Express Market store. He was wearing a white t-shirt covered in blood and still carrying the axe. The officer followed Nickson inside, detained and handcuffed him.
After Nickson was cautioned, he told the officer: “Well, I chopped him up, so fair enough.”
A member of the public stood nearby heard Nickson say: “I’ve killed him, I’ve killed him.”
Whilst Nickson was being apprehended, the victim was located at an address in Broughton Road. He had suffered numerous wounds to his head, some described as deep lacerations.
Nickson was interviewed but refused to answer any questions about what had taken place or his motivations.
However he admitted a charge of wounding with intent and was sentenced today.
Detective Inspector Helen Curme said: “Nickson carried out a horrific, violent attack on a man who had no means to defend himself.
“This incident – as with any incident involving a bladed weapon – could easily have ended in tragedy.
“Today, Nickson has been held accountable for his actions and has received a sentence which shows how seriously the criminal justice system takes such violent, armed assaults.”