Man attacked car with axe

Terrified partner and children were cowering inside, court heard

A HUNGERFORD father of four attacked the car his family was travelling in with an axe, Newbury magistrates heard.

Thirty-five-year-old Wayne Peter Watts, of Coldharbour Road, lashed out after arguing with his partner, April Richards, the court was told.

Cariad Evesson-Webb, prosecuting, said an argument broke out between the pair when she wanted to drive his car.

She added: “He wanted the petrol saved for when he needed the car later on. She started to drive away.”

Mr Watts then grabbed an axe from the garden, went on Ms Evesson-Webb “and struck the bonnet of the vehicle with it, with the four children inside.”

Police were called and Mr Watts, who has no previous convictions, was arrested, magistrates were told.

He admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with the intent of causing Ms Richards to fear that immediate unlawful violence would be used against her on January 12 this year.

Charles Maidstone, defending, pointed out that although the vehicle was dented and damaged, it actually belonged to his client, who works as a farm labourer and tractor driver.

He said: “He isn't the sort of man who normally does this sort of thing. He does not take these proceedings lightly and he is full of remorse. The only physical damage done was to his own property and although it was alarming for Ms Richards, it was only momentary and, in fact, she was hoping this matter would not come to court.”

After hearing that Mr Watts had sought counselling organised by his GP following the incident, presiding magistrate Timothy Goss told him: “This sounds like a domestic dispute that got out of hand.”

Mr Watts was made subject to a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £50 costs.